The luxury cruise ship MV Hondius is set to sail towards Spain’s Canary Islands in the coming days amid growing tension regarding a suspected hantavirus outbreak on board. Reports have emerged linking the vessel to three fatalities and eight suspected cases of the disease. Currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde, local leaders in the Canary Islands have voiced strong objections to the ship’s arrival, despite approval from Spain’s Ministry of Health.
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The MV Hondius, which began its journey in Argentina with around 150 passengers and crew members, has become the centre of attention as news of the health crisis emerged. Passengers are being treated for suspected or confirmed cases of hantavirus across different locations, with four individuals currently receiving medical attention in Europe and one in South Africa. On 6 May, the ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, confirmed that three individuals in need of urgent medical care had been evacuated.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that they facilitated the evacuation of a British doctor, a Dutch national, and a German national. These individuals have been transported to specialised hospitals for further treatment. Since its initial docking attempt on 2 May was denied by local health officials in Cape Verde, the MV Hondius has remained anchored offshore, awaiting approval to dock.
Despite the health department’s assertion that the ship will be welcomed in the Canary Islands, local leaders expressed significant concerns. Fernando Clavijo, the regional president, emphasised that the decision to allow the vessel to dock seems to lack a comprehensive technical basis and sufficient data to assure public safety. Clavijo has indicated plans to meet with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to discuss the matter further.
As the situation develops, health authorities continue to monitor the vessel closely. Initially, eight passengers were suspected of having contracted hantavirus, with only three cases confirmed so far by laboratory tests. Findings from the World Health Organization indicate that the strain of the virus linked to the ship is the Andes hantavirus, known to be transmissible between individuals.
The MV Hondius has a tragic timeline of events associated with its journey. The first confirmed death occurred on 11 April when a 70-year-old Dutch man died on board. His 69-year-old wife subsequently fell ill and later died on 26 April in Johannesburg. A third death, involving a German national, was recorded on 2 May, although details about this individual’s condition and location at the time of death remain undisclosed.
The choice of the Canary Islands as the ship’s next destination has raised alarms among local officials who remain sceptical about the potential health risks. Clavijo underscored the need for assurances and transparency in the decision-making process to protect the local population.
The situation continues to unfold as both health officials and local leaders navigate the complexities of international public health and safety. As the MV Hondius prepares to make its journey towards the islands, many remain uncertain about what lies ahead, prioritising the health of residents and travellers alike amid this outbreak.