Evacuation of MV Hondius: passengers with hantavirus removed from Tenerife under strict control

A large-scale international operation has begun off the coast of Tenerife to evacuate passengers from the cruise liner MV Hondius, on board of which cases of hantavirus infection were recorded. The operation started around 1:00 PM Cyprus time and is being carried out under increased security measures and strict sanitary protocols. According to available data, three passengers — a couple from the Netherlands and a German citizen — have died.

The vessel arrived at Tenerife at dawn, after which medical specialists boarded for final checks and to begin the evacuation. Spanish passengers were the first to be taken ashore by small boats in groups of five. They were then taken to the airport, from where they were sent by military aircraft to Madrid for quarantine for up to six weeks.

The Spanish Ministry of Health reported that the passengers do not show symptoms of the disease, however, everyone on board is considered at high risk of infection. The World Health Organization emphasizes that the risk to the general population remains low.

A report published by the Spanish authorities notes that no rodents — the main carriers of the virus — were found on board. The sanitary and environmental conditions of the vessel were found to comply with standards, and the probability of transmission through contact with rodents is excluded.

Several countries are involved in the operation, including Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, the USA, the UK, and the Netherlands, which have sent planes to evacuate their citizens. According to Spanish Health Minister Mónica García, after the Spanish, passengers from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Greece will be removed from the ship, followed by citizens of Turkey, France, the UK, and the USA.

Special attention is being paid to the most difficult stage of the operation — the arrival of an evacuation flight from Australia, expected on Monday evening. About 30 crew members will remain on board and proceed to the Netherlands, where the liner will undergo full disinfection.