Canary Islands on Alert as Virus-Stricken Cruise Ship Arrives

The MV Hondius, a Dutch cruise ship carrying passengers infected with hantavirus, is scheduled to dock off the Canary Islands late Sunday. Spanish authorities are preparing a carefully controlled operation to disembark, screen, and repatriate everyone aboard—without any contact with the local population.

Once the ship arrives, epidemiologists already on board, along with Spain’s external health service, will assess passengers and crew to confirm they remain symptom-free. Disembarkation will happen in phases, grouped by nationality, and only after repatriation flights are ready. A safety zone will be established around the vessel, barring other ships from coming within one nautical mile.

Fourteen Spanish nationals will be flown by air force plane to Madrid’s Gomez Ulla military hospital for preventive quarantine. Officials stress none show symptoms. Foreign passengers will be sent home on flights already arranged for several EU countries, the UK, and the US. For nations unable to organize their own evacuations, Spain is coordinating with the Netherlands, the ship’s owner, and an insurance company to find alternatives.

After everyone is off, the MV Hondius will continue to the Netherlands for a full decontamination.

The outbreak began during the ship’s voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde. The World Health Organization has confirmed seven infections, with three deaths. The hantavirus can be fatal, transmitted through rodent droppings and urine, but not between people. Spanish authorities say the risk to the public remains extremely low.