MV Hondius Hantavirus Passenger Update, Disembarkation Begins in Tenerife as Cases Rise

Passengers have finally disembarked from the MV Hondius cruise ship in Tenerife, Spain's Canary Islands, after weeks stranded at sea following a deadly hantavirus outbreak that has left three dead and infected passengers from at least seven countries.

The MV Hondius' current status as of May 11 is that its remaining passengers were evacuated from the vessel by small boats to Granadilla Port, then transferred by charter flights to their home countries. Spain's Health Minister approved docking after the regional Canary Islands president had refused entry, citing public safety, a decision the WHO publicly condemned as a violation of international humanitarian obligations.

How many passengers disembarked from MV Hondius? The ship departed Cape Verde with 147 individuals on board, representing more than 15 nationalities. Among those repatriated were 18 Americans, passengers from the UK, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, as well as crew members, predominantly from the Philippines. Evacuation flights returned passengers to six European countries and Canada.

During the evacuation process, passengers and port workers wore face masks, hazmat suits, and respirators. WHO Director-General Tedros personally attended the Tenerife port to oversee the operation, a rare and striking gesture underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

A French woman confirmed positive for hantavirus after developing symptoms mid-flight home. WHO warned more cases were likely, given the virus's lengthy incubation window. The ship will now sail to Rotterdam for disinfection, with its skeleton crew.