Dutch Cruise Ship “MV Hondius” Stranded Amid Hantavirus Outbreak

Dutch Cruise Ship “MV Hondius” Stranded Amid Hantavirus Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the operators of the cruise ship “MV Hondius” have confirmed that the Dutch vessel is currently stranded off the coast of Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean. This situation follows the unfortunate deaths of three passengers and the critical illness of three others due to a suspected outbreak of the rare Hantavirus.

Urgent Assistance Needed as Ship Stays Afloat

The “MV Hondius,” which commenced a polar expedition from Argentina to Antarctica and remote islands in the South Atlantic, sought assistance from Cape Verdean health authorities upon its arrival in the area. However, local authorities denied the ship permission to dock, citing public health concerns, and ordered it to remain in open waters. The operating company, Oceanwide Expeditions, has confirmed that no passengers have disembarked from the vessel to date. Meanwhile, the WHO is actively investigating the outbreak’s origins and coordinating the evacuation of two infected crew members.

Details of Reported Cases Onboard

Among the reported cases on the ship are:

• A British man, who was evacuated to South Africa on April 27, tested positive for the virus and is currently in critical condition in intensive care.
• The body of a deceased German passenger remains onboard the vessel.
• A 70-year-old Dutch man died on the ship on April 11, and his wife subsequently passed away in South Africa after leaving the vessel.

The WHO indicates that Hantavirus primarily spreads through rodents, either through direct contact or via urine, saliva, and droppings. Although human-to-human transmission is rare, it can occur, raising significant health concerns regarding the outbreak.

Currently, 87 passengers of various nationalities remain onboard, including 17 Americans, 19 British, and 13 Spaniards, along with 61 crew members. Health and humanitarian conditions aboard the vessel are under close monitoring as they await further instructions from health authorities. The situation remains critical as the WHO and local authorities work to address the outbreak and ensure the safety of all individuals involved.