Cruise Ship with Hantavirus Outbreak Causes 3 Deaths, Canary Islands Opposes Port Call
The President of the Canary Islands Autonomous Community in Spain has expressed opposition to allowing the luxury cruise ship "MV Hondius," which has a deadly hantavirus outbreak, to dock in the archipelago. Three people have already died on board, and the Spanish Ministry of Health has decided to accept the ship based on international law and humanitarian principles.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 21:19
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Madrid, 6th, comprehensive foreign report) Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands (Canary Islands) Autonomous Community in Spain, stated today that he opposes allowing the luxury cruise ship "MV Hondius," which has a deadly hantavirus outbreak, to dock in the archipelago.
Reuters reported that Clavijo, in an interview with Spanish radio station COPE, said: "This decision (by the Spanish Ministry of Health) is not based on any technical standards, nor is there sufficient information to reassure the public or guarantee their safety."
He said he has requested an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to discuss the matter. Clavijo belongs to the conservative People's Party, which is the main opposition party to Sanchez's Socialist Workers' Party.
Spanish national television (TVE) reported earlier today, citing sources from the Ministry of Health, that the "MV Hondius" cruise ship will dock in Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Reuters has sought verification from the Spanish Ministry of Health, but the ministry has not yet responded immediately.
The "MV Hondius" departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, in South America, and was originally destined for the Republic of Cape Verde, but the West African island nation refused to allow the cruise ship to dock. Three people have already died on board.
The Spanish Ministry of Health previously stated that, at the request of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU), it "will accept" the Hondius in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.
Once the "MV Hondius" arrives at a Canary Islands port, Spanish health authorities will work with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the WHO to screen, treat, and arrange repatriation for the crew and passengers. (Translator: Kao Chao-fen / Editor: Liu Shu-chin) 1150506
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(Central News Agency, Madrid, 6th, comprehensive foreign report) Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands (Canary Islands) Autonomous Community in Spain, stated today that he opposes allowing the luxury cruise ship "MV Hondius," which has a deadly hantavirus outbreak, to dock in the archipelago.
Reuters reported that Clavijo, in an interview with Spanish radio station COPE, said: "This decision (by the Spanish Ministry of Health) is not based on any technical standards, nor is there sufficient information to reassure the public or guarantee their safety."
He said he has requested an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to discuss the matter. Clavijo belongs to the conservative People's Party, which is the main opposition party to Sanchez's Socialist Workers' Party.
Spanish national television (TVE) reported earlier today, citing sources from the Ministry of Health, that the "MV Hondius" cruise ship will dock in Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Reuters has sought verification from the Spanish Ministry of Health, but the ministry has not yet responded immediately.
The "MV Hondius" departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, in South America, and was originally destined for the Republic of Cape Verde, but the West African island nation refused to allow the cruise ship to dock. Three people have already died on board.
The Spanish Ministry of Health previously stated that, at the request of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU), it "will accept" the Hondius in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.
Once the "MV Hondius" arrives at a Canary Islands port, Spanish health authorities will work with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the WHO to screen, treat, and arrange repatriation for the crew and passengers. (Translator: Kao Chao-fen / Editor: Liu Shu-chin) 1150506
Stand with the facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.