MV Hondius Passengers Evacuated From Tenerife After Hantavirus Outbreak

Australians are among the last passengers to leave the MV Hondius cruise ship in Tenerife after a hantavirus outbreak. Four Australians and one permanent resident will fly to Perth within 48 hours.
By Newsroom | Health, Travel |

Australians Among Final Disembarkations

The MV Hondius cruise ship, site of a recent hantavirus outbreak claiming three lives, docked at Granadilla, Tenerife on Sunday morning (local time). Passengers began disembarking Sunday, with nationalities from across the globe aboard the vessel that departed Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1st. Among the disembarking passengers are four Australians and one Australian permanent resident, who are slated to be among the final groups to leave the ship. These individuals are expected to be repatriated to Australia within 48 hours, with a flight scheduled to land in Perth on Tuesday.

Rescue flight on way to collect Australians from virus cruise ship - 1

Authorities have classified all passengers as high-risk contacts as a precautionary measure. Those disembarking are being repatriated directly to their home countries; none are permitted to stay in Tenerife or utilize commercial flights. The ship operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, confirmed ongoing collaboration with authorities to resolve the medical situation.

Read More: Donald Trump's Swollen Ankles and Hand Bruises Spark Health Questions

Rescue flight on way to collect Australians from virus cruise ship - 2

Awaiting Return

The Australian contingent, along with a New Zealand national, is expected to land in Perth on Tuesday. Their repatriation flight is en route. Meanwhile, the MV Hondius is set to continue its journey to Rotterdam, Netherlands, where it will undergo disinfection. Some crew members and the body of a deceased passenger will remain on board for this process.

Rescue flight on way to collect Australians from virus cruise ship - 3

Health Concerns and Evacuation Logistics

The outbreak, confirmed by health authorities around May 2nd, has seen a total of eight reported cases and three fatalities – a Dutch couple and a German national. Passengers from various countries, including Turkey, France, the UK, and the US, were on board. The European health agency stated that all passengers are considered high-risk contacts.

Rescue flight on way to collect Australians from virus cruise ship - 4

Concerns about potential stigma have been voiced by some Spanish passengers on the island of Tenerife. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a representative on board the ship. Spanish nationals from the ship are to be transferred to a medical facility for quarantine.

Read More: Coast Guard Seizes Sailboat in Lynette Hooker Disappearance Case

Background of the Outbreak

The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1st. The first passenger death occurred on April 11th. Concerns about the virus's spread prompted significant attention upon the ship's arrival in Tenerife. Prior to reaching the Canary Islands, over two dozen individuals from at least 12 different countries disembarked on April 24th without comprehensive contact tracing, according to Dutch officials and the ship's operator.

Keywords: 'hantavirus', 'MV Hondius', 'Tenerife', 'Australia', 'repatriation', 'evacuation', 'WHO', 'Oceanwide Expeditions'

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were passengers evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship in Tenerife?
Passengers were evacuated due to a hantavirus outbreak on board that caused three deaths. All passengers are considered high-risk contacts and are being sent directly to their home countries.
Q: When did the MV Hondius arrive in Tenerife and when will Australians return home?
The ship arrived in Granadilla, Tenerife on Sunday morning. The four Australians and one permanent resident aboard are expected to fly to Perth on Tuesday, within 48 hours of disembarking.
Q: How many people were affected by the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius?
Health authorities confirmed eight reported cases of hantavirus and three fatalities among passengers. The deceased include a Dutch couple and a German national.
Q: What happens to the MV Hondius and its crew after the evacuation?
The MV Hondius will continue its journey to Rotterdam, Netherlands, where it will undergo disinfection. Some crew members and the body of a deceased passenger will remain on board for this process.
Q: What precautions are being taken for passengers disembarking in Tenerife?
All passengers are classified as high-risk contacts. They are being repatriated directly to their home countries and are not allowed to stay in Tenerife or use commercial flights.