The captain of the ill-fated vessel hit by a Hantavirus outbreak, resulting in three fatalities, has spoken out to commend the passengers and crew for their remarkable “kindness and bravery.”
Jan Dobrogowski, the captain of MV Hondius, expressed his gratitude in a video released by Oceanwide Expeditions, acknowledging the challenging circumstances faced by everyone on board. He praised the guests and crew for their patience, discipline, and compassion towards each other throughout the trying period.
Following the outbreak onboard MV Hondius during its journey from Argentina to Cape Verde, three individuals have lost their lives. Two British nationals are currently receiving treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa, while two others who departed the voyage early are self-isolating at home.
Most strains of hantavirus, typically carried by rodents, do not transmit among humans. However, the Andes strain implicated in several cases from the Dutch cruise ship is an exception to this rule.
Captain Dobrogowski commended his crew for their courage and selflessness during the challenging moments, emphasizing the unity and strength displayed by both guests and crew onboard. He expressed condolences for those who have passed away, emphasizing their presence in the hearts and thoughts of everyone.
The captain highlighted the ongoing responsibility to ensure the safe return of all passengers and crew members beyond the ship’s arrival at the Canaries. He appealed for privacy for the crew and passengers, expressing hopes for a safe return home for all.
In related developments, twenty British individuals are under a 45-day self-isolation period in the UK after being evacuated from the ship. Health authorities have designated Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside for their isolation, ensuring access to communication facilities for connecting with loved ones. The individuals are reportedly not showing any symptoms of the virus.
Health officials reassured the public in a press conference about the minimal risk posed by the Hantavirus outbreak, emphasizing its differences from more contagious diseases like Covid-19 or influenza. The evacuated passengers will undergo screening and continuous monitoring during their isolation period.
Regarding suspected cases, a British man on the remote Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha is currently in stable condition and under isolation. A team of British Army paratroopers and medical clinicians have been deployed to assist in providing care on the island.
The initial case of the Hantavirus outbreak on the ship is believed to be Leo Schilperoord, a 70-year-old Dutch national who visited a landfill site in Ushuaia, Argentina, for birdwatching. The virus spreads through inhaling particles from rodent excretions.
Leo and his wife, Mirjam, had traveled extensively across South America before boarding MV Hondius in Ushuaia. Leo fell ill six days into the voyage and tragically passed away on board. Mirjam later disembarked with her husband’s body at Saint Helena and subsequently passed away in South Africa due to illness.
The tragic events have underscored the severity of the situation and the challenges faced by those involved in the outbreak, prompting a coordinated response to manage the risks and provide support to those affected.
