Health workers in protective gear arrive to evacuate patients from the MV Hondius cruise ship at a port in Praia, Cape Verde, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)
The MV Hondius, which has been impacted by a hantavirus outbreak, arrived at the Port of Granadilla in Tenerife, Spain early on Sunday morning. It was escorted by a vessel from the Spanish Civil Guard as it navigated its way to the Canary Islands. The ship set sail for Tenerife on Wednesday, departing from Cape Verde, after the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union requested assistance for the evacuation of its passengers in response to the health crisis.
According to maritime tracking service VesselFinder, the cruise ship was closely monitored during its journey. The WHO announced on Friday that at least eight individuals aboard had become ill, with three fatalities reported. These include a Dutch couple and a German national. Six people have been confirmed to have contracted the hantavirus, with two additional cases suspected.
As a precaution, Europe’s public health agency classified all passengers on board as high-risk contacts. This classification was made to ensure appropriate health measures are taken upon their arrival in Tenerife, as stated by officials late on Saturday.
Health Measures for Passengers
Upon arrival in Tenerife, Spanish health authorities plan to conduct tests on all passengers to check for symptoms of the virus. Those who remain asymptomatic will be transported to shore using small boats. Following the disembarkation, sealed buses will convey passengers to the main airport on the island, located a short distance away.
Government officials indicated that the evacuation process would commence between 7:30 am and 8:30 am local time. Initially, Spanish nationals will disembark, with subsequent groups of other nationalities to follow. Meanwhile, 30 crew members will remain on the ship, which will later set course for the Netherlands for necessary disinfection procedures.
Health authorities have communicated that hantavirus is primarily transmitted by rodents, and while rare, it can occasionally be spread from person to person. This situation prompted a coordinated response by health officials both locally and internationally.
Public Response and Ongoing Investigations
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Tenerife on Saturday evening to assist with the coordination of the response efforts, accompanied by Spain’s interior and health ministers. In an open letter to the residents, he reassured them and expressed gratitude for their solidarity during the crisis, stating that it is not akin to previous health emergencies like Covid-19.
Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness, emphasised that the risk to the general public remains low, despite classifying all on board as high-risk contacts. Daily life in Granadilla de Abona appeared largely unaffected, with residents engaging in routine activities, although some voiced concerns about potential dangers.
Investigations are continuing not only in Spain but also in various countries regarding passengers who had disembarked the ship prior to its arrival in Tenerife. Health officials have been tracking anyone who may have made contact with affected passengers. Meanwhile, a flight attendant from KLM who had contact with an infected passenger tested negative for hantavirus. There is also a reported case of a woman displaying symptoms after being on a flight with an affected individual, who is currently in isolation.
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