MV Hondius Cruise Ship with Hantavirus Outbreak Causing 3 Deaths Approved to Dock in Spain's Canary Islands
The luxury cruise ship "MV Hondius," which experienced a deadly Hantavirus outbreak resulting in three deaths, has been approved by the Spanish government to dock in the Canary Islands. The ship was previously denied entry by Cape Verde.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 11:15
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MADRID/LONDON/GENEVA/AMSTERDAM (Central News Agency) -- The luxury cruise ship "MV Hondius," after a deadly Hantavirus outbreak, will depart Cape Verde tomorrow for Europe, following approval from the Spanish government to dock in the Canary Islands.
Reuters reported that the Spanish Ministry of Health stated it has agreed to "receive the MV Hondius in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles" at the request of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU).
The Spanish Ministry of Health also said that, at the formal request of the Dutch government, it will receive a medical plane tonight transporting a critically ill Dutch ship doctor.
Officials stated that since the outbreak began in early April, a Dutch couple and a German citizen have died; another British passenger was evacuated from the ship and is currently receiving intensive care in South Africa.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the Dutch cruise operator, said two other crew members urgently need medical care, and a passenger suspected of infection only showed mild fever symptoms.
The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, in South America, and was originally bound for the Republic of Cape Verde, but the West African island nation refused to allow the cruise ship to dock.
The Spanish Ministry of Health said that once the MV Hondius arrives at a port in the Canary Islands, authorities will work with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the WHO to screen, treat, and arrange repatriation for crew and passengers.
The Spanish Ministry of Health emphasized that all necessary safety measures will be taken, including medical care and transportation by dedicated facilities and vehicles, to avoid contact with local residents and protect medical personnel.
The statement pointed out: "The WHO explained that Cape Verde was unable to perform this operation, and the Canary Islands are the nearest location with the necessary capabilities. Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, some of whom are also Spanish citizens."
Oceanwide Expeditions and the Spanish Ministry of Health said the MV Hondius is expected to dock at Gran Canaria or Tenerife, a journey that will take approximately 3 to 4 days.
Health authorities stated that nearly 150 people from 23 countries are still trapped on board.
According to CDC data, Hantavirus is mainly transmitted by inhaling air particles containing rodent secretions or excreta. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare; only Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome caused by the Andes virus has shown human-to-human transmission, with an incubation period of up to 2 months. (Compiled by Liu Wen-yu) 1150506
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Reuters reported that the Spanish Ministry of Health stated it has agreed to "receive the MV Hondius in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles" at the request of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU).
The Spanish Ministry of Health also said that, at the formal request of the Dutch government, it will receive a medical plane tonight transporting a critically ill Dutch ship doctor.
Officials stated that since the outbreak began in early April, a Dutch couple and a German citizen have died; another British passenger was evacuated from the ship and is currently receiving intensive care in South Africa.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the Dutch cruise operator, said two other crew members urgently need medical care, and a passenger suspected of infection only showed mild fever symptoms.
The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina, in South America, and was originally bound for the Republic of Cape Verde, but the West African island nation refused to allow the cruise ship to dock.
The Spanish Ministry of Health said that once the MV Hondius arrives at a port in the Canary Islands, authorities will work with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the WHO to screen, treat, and arrange repatriation for crew and passengers.
The Spanish Ministry of Health emphasized that all necessary safety measures will be taken, including medical care and transportation by dedicated facilities and vehicles, to avoid contact with local residents and protect medical personnel.
The statement pointed out: "The WHO explained that Cape Verde was unable to perform this operation, and the Canary Islands are the nearest location with the necessary capabilities. Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, some of whom are also Spanish citizens."
Oceanwide Expeditions and the Spanish Ministry of Health said the MV Hondius is expected to dock at Gran Canaria or Tenerife, a journey that will take approximately 3 to 4 days.
Health authorities stated that nearly 150 people from 23 countries are still trapped on board.
According to CDC data, Hantavirus is mainly transmitted by inhaling air particles containing rodent secretions or excreta. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare; only Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome caused by the Andes virus has shown human-to-human transmission, with an incubation period of up to 2 months. (Compiled by Liu Wen-yu) 1150506
Stand with the facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "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 utilized without authorization.