A recent revelation indicates that 23 British individuals are currently on a cruise ship at the heart of a severe virus outbreak that has resulted in three deaths. Among those affected are two British citizens, one of whom is a crew member, following the discovery of the hantavirus on the MV Hondius vessel. Oceanwide Expedition is managing what they describe as a critical medical emergency onboard, with 19 passengers and four crew members hailing from the United Kingdom.
Experts suggest that the rat-borne virus could have been contracted before the tourists embarked on their anticipated cruise from the ‘End of the World’ in Argentina. Speculation on social media indicates that the first ill passenger may have visited Patagonia before the cruise departure.
A 69-year-old British tourist from the ill-fated MV Hondius journey to Antarctica is currently in critical condition in Johannesburg. Additionally, two sick crew members, one of whom is British, remain onboard the ship.
Passengers on the ship are currently stuck as Cape Verde has denied them entry. Authorities have instructed them to wear face masks and maintain distance from each other as a precautionary measure.
Health officials from Cape Verde, equipped in protective gear, have visited the ship to assess the sick crew members. The Cape Verdean Public Health Institute has declared that the ship will remain quarantined and should proceed on its route to safeguard the local population, as reported by A Nacao.
The ship is expected to redirect its course towards the Canary Islands. Oceanwide Expeditions announced that they are still managing a critical medical situation aboard the MV Hondius, currently positioned off the coast of Cape Verde.
The company provided a breakdown of passengers and crew, indicating a total of 88 passengers from various countries worldwide and 61 crew members. Among them, 23 were British and two were Irish, with one of the sick crew members being British.
The company outlined a timeline of events starting from a passenger’s death onboard on April 11, where the cause remained undetermined. Subsequently, on April 24, the passenger was disembarked in St Helena, accompanied by their spouse, who later fell ill during the return journey and passed away on April 27.
The company clarified that the presence of hantavirus has not been confirmed in the two individuals requiring medical attention onboard, nor has a direct link been established to the three deaths reported. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and potential connections, with the confirmed hantavirus case being the passenger evacuated for treatment in Johannesburg.
The ship’s current status remains anchored off the coast of Cape Verde with 149 individuals from 23 different countries onboard. Local health authorities have assessed the situation, and discussions are underway regarding potential disembarkation in Las Palmas or Tenerife for further medical evaluations.
Stringent precautionary measures, including isolation protocols and medical supervision, are in place onboard to ensure the safety of all passengers. Oceanwide Expeditions is actively engaged with the affected individuals and their families, providing necessary support.
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