New Delhi/Tenerife

Growing concerns over a suspected Hantavirus outbreak aboard the luxury expedition cruise ship MV Hondius have triggered an international health alert. Following a request from the World Health Organization, Spain’s Health Ministry has prepared a plan to safely bring the vessel to Tenerife. However, authorities in the Canary Islands have raised serious objections, citing fears of possible infection spread.

The 107-meter-long ice-class expedition vessel departed from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, on March 20 carrying 149 passengers and 59 crew members from 23 countries, including 14 Spanish nationals. After touring Antarctica between March 20 and April 1, the ship returned briefly to Ushuaia before heading toward remote areas of the South Atlantic.

The first signs of illness emerged on April 6, when a 70-year-old Dutch passenger developed symptoms including fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. His condition worsened rapidly, and he died on April 11. Soon afterward, several other passengers, including his wife, reportedly fell ill.

On May 2, a German woman aboard the ship also died. The same day, a British passenger in South Africa tested positive for Hantavirus, deepening global concerns over a possible outbreak linked to the cruise.

In response, the World Health Organization and the European Union jointly requested the Spanish government to arrange the vessel’s safe arrival in the Canary Islands. Meanwhile, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is closely monitoring the situation to determine which passengers may require urgent medical evacuation.

Spain’s government has proposed quarantining all Spanish citizens at a military hospital in Madrid, while foreign nationals would be repatriated to their home countries.

However, the Canary Islands administration strongly opposed the move. Regional leader Fernando Clavijo argued that if passengers are not critically ill, they should be transferred directly elsewhere instead of being brought to the islands.

Clavijo criticized Madrid’s decision, claiming it lacked transparency and was made without adequate technical consultation. He announced plans to hold an emergency meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Speaking to Spanish radio, Clavijo said, “We will do everything possible to prevent the ship from arriving in the Canary Islands. We have not been provided sufficient information to guarantee public safety.”

He also posted on social media platform X that the Canary Islands could not accept decisions taken without informing regional institutions or the public properly.

At present, the vessel remains anchored near Praia while awaiting further instructions. Authorities say the situation onboard is currently stable, and passenger morale remains calm. Health agencies are now focused on identifying the infection source and preventing any further spread to ensure the safe return of all passengers.

About Author

Habib Ki Report

See author's posts