A luxury cruise turned nightmare has left passengers stranded and several dead after a hantavirus outbreak struck the MV Hondius off the coast of Cape Verde, forcing emergency evacuations and triggering international concern.
The incident unfolded on May 6, 2026, when three passengers – two in critical condition – were airlifted from the vessel after days of being stranded at sea, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The ship, MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was carrying nearly 150 people when the outbreak escalated, leaving authorities scrambling for a safe port of disembarkation. The vessel is now expected to head toward Spain’s Canary Islands for further evacuation procedures.
Health officials confirmed that at least three deaths have already been linked to the outbreak, with a total of eight suspected or confirmed cases reported so far.
The W.H.O. said its Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed that the evacuated passengers were moved for urgent medical care in Europe, including hospitals in the Netherlands.
The Dutch Foreign Ministry stated that those evacuated include nationals from the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom, while others remain under close observation.
Authorities identified the strain involved as the Andes variant of hantavirus, which is typically spread through contact with infected rodents, though rare human-to-human transmission has been recorded in isolated cases.
Health agencies, including the World Health Organisation, have reassured the public that the overall risk remains low, despite the seriousness of the outbreak.
Some passengers described tense but controlled conditions onboard, with crew advising strict hygiene measures, limited contact, and mask use as they await further instructions.
Cape Verde had originally been the ship’s planned destination, but authorities refused entry due to the health emergency. Spain has since agreed, under international humanitarian coordination, to allow the vessel to dock – reportedly in Tenerife – though regional leaders have expressed opposition.
Meanwhile, contact tracing efforts are ongoing, with dozens of individuals already monitored for potential exposure as health officials work to contain any further spread.
