A seriously ill British doctor aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, hit by a hantavirus outbreak, faces uncertainty over an airlift to a Canary Islands hospital. Spanish reports suggested the patient reached Our Lady of Candelaria University Hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife overnight from off Cape Verde. However, Canary Islands government spokesman Alfonso Cabello clarified this morning: “The information we have right now is that the flight that was due to bring that doctor to the Canary Islands has been cancelled and that airlift has not occurred.”
Ship Diverted to Tenerife Amid Deadly Outbreak
Tenerife emerges as the probable destination for the luxury vessel, a popular spot for British tourists. Three passengers have died from the rat-borne hantavirus, with at least seven others affected. Spain’s Health Ministry approved the ship’s arrival in the Canary Islands after Cape Verde officials declined to host it. Authorities have not confirmed the exact port, though Santa Cruz in Tenerife appeared as a likely option overnight.
The MV Hondius, carrying nearly 150 passengers from 23 countries, expects to arrive in three or four days. Health experts will screen passengers and crew in groups upon evacuation, followed by repatriation to their home countries.
Health Ministry Details Response Plan
In a late-night statement, Spain’s Health Ministry outlined the protocol: “The World Health Organisation, in coordination with the European Union, has just requested the Government of Spain receive the vessel MV Hondius in the Canary Islands, in compliance with international Law and the humanitarian spirit.
“At this moment, the vessel is in Cape Verde, where it has docked after detecting the outbreak.
“The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is conducting a comprehensive examination of the vessel to determine which individuals must be urgently evacuated to Cape Verde itself.
“The rest will continue on to the Canary Islands where they expect to arrive within three or four days.
“The port of arrival has not yet been specified.
“Once there, crew and passengers will be appropriately examined, cared for, and transferred to their respective countries.
“The process will be structured through a common protocol for managing cases and contacts developed by the WHO and the ECDC, and will include all the necessary safety guarantees.
“Both medical care and transfers will be carried out in specially designated spaces and transport adapted ‘ad hoc’ for this situation, avoiding any contact with the local population and ensuring the safety of healthcare personnel at all times.”
The ministry added that Cape Verde lacks the capacity for the operation, positioning the Canary Islands as the closest suitable location. Spain holds a moral and legal duty to assist.
Quarantine and Voyage Details
The MV Hondius remains under quarantine since Sunday off Praia, Cape Verde’s capital, with local medical teams onboard. The ship left Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1. Oceanwide Expeditions, the Dutch operator, confirms 23 British nationals aboard, including four crew members, amid this serious medical emergency.
