Disturbing video footage has surfaced showing a cruise ship with masked passengers and empty decks as health workers in hazmat suits board the vessel. The Dutch ship MV Hondius, off the coast of Cape Verde, is carrying nearly 150 stranded passengers who have mostly locked themselves in their cabins to avoid the deadly Hantavirus, which has already claimed three lives and left at least eight others seriously ill. Local authorities in Cape Verde denied the ship entry at the Port of Praia to protect public health.
The ship is now headed towards Spain as the leader of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, refused it permission to dock. Eerie images captured by AP show deserted decks with only a few health workers patrolling. The lounges, restaurants, and dining halls on board are strangely vacant. MV Hondius is expected to reach Santa Cruz de Tenerife soon.
A statement from the Spanish government confirmed that the Canary Islands are the closest location equipped to provide necessary treatment to those on board, including several Spanish citizens. Hantavirus, carried by rodents like mice and rats, spreads through contact with their droppings and urine. Symptoms include respiratory issues and can lead to hospitalization. While most hantavirus strains do not transmit between humans, the Andes variant responsible for the current outbreak can do so through close contact.
There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for hantavirus infections. The UK Health Security Agency has evacuated three individuals suspected of having hantavirus from the ship for medical care in the Netherlands. British nationals on board can be repatriated once the ship docks, with arrangements made for isolation and monitoring. UKHSA is providing support to those who may have been in contact with the virus cases. Oceanwide Expeditions has deployed additional medical professionals on board for optimal care during the journey to the Canary Islands.
Follow our live blog for updates on the situation aboard MV Hondius.
