British and Dutch Crew Members to Be Medically Evacuated from MV Hondius
A British crew member who fell ill aboard the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean is set to be medically evacuated, officials have confirmed. Alongside a Dutch colleague, the two crew members are being prepared for urgent medical evacuation under the supervision of Dutch authorities.
Both individuals required "urgent medical care" after developing respiratory symptoms, according to the tour operator Oceanwide Expeditions.
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, from the World Health Organization (WHO), stated it was the "highest priority" to "medically evacuate these two individuals to make sure that they have the care that they [need]."
The Spanish health ministry announced on Tuesday evening that the MV Hondius would be received in the Canary Islands within "three or four days." Medical teams there will examine and treat all passengers and crew and facilitate their transfer to their home countries.
"The World Health Organization has explained that [the ship] is unable to carry out this operation," the health ministry said.
"The Canary Islands are the closest location with the necessary capabilities. Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are also several Spanish citizens."
A British passenger exhibiting symptoms of hantavirus, a disease primarily transmitted by rodents, is reportedly improving. This passenger was medically evacuated on 27 April to Johannesburg and remains in intensive care.
The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, stated that the government is implementing "plans in place" for the onward travel of British nationals aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship.
In a post on X, Starmer said: "My thoughts are with those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius. We are working closely with international partners to support British nationals onboard and we’re putting plans in place for their safe onward travel."
To date, seven suspected hantavirus cases have been identified, including three fatalities. Two cases have been confirmed as hantavirus infections.
Dr Van Kerkhove provided an update on Tuesday:
"As of today, seven individuals of the 147 passengers and crew have been reported ill. Sadly, three have died.
One patient is in intensive care in South Africa, although we understand that this patient is improving, while two patients are still onboard the ship and are being prepared for medical evacuation to the [appropriate medical facility] for treatment."
Another suspected case has been reported; however, this individual is "currently doing well and is asymptomatic," Van Kerkhove added.
"At this stage, there are no additional symptomatic people onboard," she said.
"That said, the situation is being closely monitored and, as a precaution, passengers have been asked to remain in their cabins while disinfection and other public health measures are carried out."
There are 19 British nationals listed as passengers and four British crew members on the ship, which was en route from Argentina to Cape Verde, an archipelago in the central Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa.
A UK government spokesperson stated: "We are working with the Dutch government on medical evacuation planning for sick passengers with the local authorities from a range of nationalities, but that includes one British national as well."
Medical teams from Cape Verde were providing support to the ship on Tuesday.
A Dutch passenger died onboard the ship on 11 April. His wife passed away on 27 April, with authorities later confirming she had tested positive for a variant of hantavirus. On 2 May, a German passenger died, although the cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Oceanwide Expeditions released a statement indicating that the atmosphere onboard "remains calm, with passengers generally composed."
The company added that it was "working to provide clarity and reassurance to guests and expedite their disembarkation and medical screening."
Understanding Hantavirus and Its Risks
Hantavirus infections are typically spread through contact with infected rodents' urine or feces and can cause severe respiratory illness, which may be fatal. While infections are rare, the World Health Organization notes that hantavirus can occasionally spread between people.
There is no specific treatment or cure for hantavirus; however, patients have a better chance of survival if they receive medical attention promptly.
