Passengers Stranded Amid Health Crisis
"We're not just a story. We're not just headlines, we're people with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home,"said a tearful Jake Rosmarin.
Jake Rosmarin, an American travel vlogger aboard the luxury cruise liner MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean, has experienced a voyage that has turned tragic. He is among approximately 150 passengers from 23 countries stranded near Cape Verde, off Africa's west coast.
Two confirmed and five suspected cases of hantavirus—a rare but severe disease typically transmitted by rodents—have been identified on the vessel. Three passengers have died, and several others are ill or showing symptoms after the MV Hondius departed Argentina nearly a month ago.
Health authorities are urgently testing passenger samples, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated the virus may have spread onboard. Meanwhile, crew members are seeking a port where the ship can dock safely after Cape Verdean officials denied clearance earlier this week, leaving the ship anchored nearby.
"There's a lot of uncertainty and that is the hardest part. All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home,"Rosmarin told his TikTok followers on Monday.
In contrast to Rosmarin's emotional account, another passenger, Kasem Hato, described the situation as exaggerated.
"The whole situation has been blown out of proportion,"he said, attributing this partly to
"one person panicking on the ship whose video has been circulating [in] the media,"apparently referring to Rosmarin's footage.
"While his reaction is valid, it doesn't represent the situation on board, everyone else (148 out of 149) has been calm, the situation is under control and we just wish those who are sick a speedy recovery,"Hato, also a travel influencer, posted on social media. He told the BBC that passengers are keeping busy by reading, watching movies, and drinking hot beverages.
In follow-up posts, Rosmarin stated it took him
"some time to settle my emotions"and assured that
"everyone on board is doing okay."He added,
"I'm feeling well, getting some fresh air and continue to be well fed and taken care of by the crew... just trying to focus on the positive."
The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, reported that the atmosphere
"remains calm, with passengers generally composed."The company said,
"Oceanwide Expeditions is working to provide clarity and reassurance to guests and expedite their disembarkation and medical screening."
An anonymous passenger told the BBC they are preparing for at least another three to four days at sea, adding,
"At this point we don't know when we will leave."
Almost a month after the first death, footage from onboard reveals daily life. Health officials in protective gear are seen disembarking, while usually lively lounges remain empty. Another passenger said staff have asked everyone to maintain social distancing, wear masks indoors, and sanitize hands frequently.
Voyage Route and Early Experiences
The journey promised an unforgettable experience, traversing some of the Atlantic's most rugged and untouched landscapes. The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina—the world's southernmost city—on 1 April.
"Fresh snow on the mountains, autumn colours along the shoreline and even some amazing wildlife,"Rosmarin said excitedly in a video posted weeks earlier.
The itinerary included South Georgia, a British territory known for its penguin colonies, and Tristan da Cunha, the world's most remote inhabited island.
Rosmarin's social media posts showcased highlights such as birdwatching, penguin spotting, and enjoying iced lattes onboard. Reflecting on Tristan da Cunha, he said,
"Moments like this are hard to explain, but they're the ones that stay with you the most."
As the Hondius approached St Helena, the cruise operator was alerted to a serious development.
Health Crisis Developments and Fatalities
On 11 April, a Dutch man died onboard; the cause of death was initially unknown. Nearly two weeks later, his body was removed at St Helena accompanied by his wife, who was evacuated to South Africa. Authorities later reported she died in a Johannesburg hospital. The WHO confirmed the 69-year-old woman had hantavirus.
On 27 April, a British passenger fell ill and was evacuated to South Africa, where they remain in critical but stable condition with hantavirus.
On 2 May, a German national died, raising the death toll to three. It remains unclear whether this individual was infected with hantavirus.
Oceanwide Expeditions reported that two crew members currently exhibit
"acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe,"requiring urgent medical attention.
Uncertainty Over Docking and Medical Support
The ship's future remains uncertain. The WHO stated that Spain has granted permission for the vessel to dock in the Canary Islands for risk assessment and medical monitoring.
However, Spain's health ministry downplayed speculation about accepting the ship. A ministry spokesperson told the BBC that no request to dock at the Canaries had been received but confirmed readiness to manage the situation if it arises. This would include medical care, analysis, and disinfection, though it is unclear whether passengers would be allowed to disembark.
Additional reporting by Ed Habershon.
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