TENERIFR, SPAIN May 10, 2026 – Most passengers and crew members from the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius cruise ship have successfully disembarked today following a controlled operation coordinated by Spanish authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO).
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed gratitude to the Spanish government, specifically thanking Health Minister Mónica García, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and Territorial Policy Minister Ángel Víctor Torres, along with their respective teams. “Coordination remains key to keeping passengers, crew, responders and communities healthy and safe,” Tedros stated, emphasizing ongoing international collaboration.
The MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, had been at the center of an international public health response after an outbreak of Andes hantavirus (ANDV) was confirmed aboard the vessel. The ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, for an Antarctic expedition cruise, visiting remote locations including South Georgia Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island before the cluster of illnesses emerged.
As of May 8, authorities reported eight cases linked to the ship (six laboratory-confirmed and two probable), including three deaths (case fatality ratio of approximately 38%). All confirmed cases were identified as the Andes strain of hantavirus via PCR or sequencing. Andes virus is notable as the only hantavirus strain known to transmit from person to person, though this occurs only through close and prolonged contact during the early phase of illness. No rodents were found on the ship, and the initial exposure is believed to have occurred among passengers who visited endemic areas in South America prior to boarding.
The vessel arrived off the coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands early on May 10. Passengers and crew—totaling around 147 people from 23 countries—were not allowed to dock directly at the port. Instead, they were ferried ashore in small boats at Granadilla (away from residential areas), transported in sealed vehicles along a cordoned-off corridor, and taken directly to waiting repatriation flights. Spanish nationals were prioritized for the first flights, with others returning to their home countries under strict health protocols. A WHO expert remained aboard throughout to support operations.
Dr. Tedros traveled personally to Tenerife to oversee the process and addressed local residents in an open letter on May 9, reassuring them that the public health risk remains low. “This is not another COVID,” he emphasized, noting that no one on board was symptomatic at the time of disembarkation and that medical supplies and protocols were in place. WHO has issued technical guidance on disembarkation, contact tracing, and management of contacts, drawing lessons from previous Andes virus outbreaks in Argentina.
International health agencies, including the CDC, ECDC, and national authorities in countries with affected citizens (including the US, UK, Canada, France, and others), are conducting monitoring, contact tracing, and, in some cases, quarantine or isolation for returning passengers. One French evacuee reportedly developed symptoms consistent with the virus during the flight home, according to French officials.
The MV Hondius is expected to proceed to Rotterdam for thorough disinfection once all personnel are safely off the vessel.
WHO and partner agencies continue to stress that while Andes hantavirus is serious, the risk to the broader public from this incident is considered low with the implemented measures. Travelers and communities are advised to follow standard hygiene practices and report any flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, shortness of breath) promptly, especially if they have a history of rodent exposure or recent travel to affected areas.
This marks the first recorded hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, prompting rapid development of new protocols by global health experts. Updates will be provided as repatriation and monitoring efforts continue.
Sources: Official WHO statements, Spanish government coordination, and international health alerts.
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