MV Hondius Passengers Begin Disembarkation in Tenerife Amid Hantavirus Outbreak

Passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship have begun disembarking in Tenerife after a hantavirus outbreak onboard led to three fatalities and multiple infections. The vessel arrived at the Port of Granadilla in the Canary Islands early Sunday morning, initiating a carefully coordinated evacuation process.

Spanish nationals were the first to disembark and were subsequently flown to Madrid for quarantine and observation at a military hospital. Passengers from other countries, including France, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States, are being repatriated through chartered or military flights. All passengers are undergoing strict biosecurity protocols during evacuation, including wearing protective suits and carrying only essential items.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed six cases of hantavirus linked to the ship, all identified as the Andes virus strain, which is known for rare human-to-human transmission. Despite the outbreak, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, stating, "This is not another Covid... the risk to the public is low."

The MV Hondius had departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, with 147 people onboard. The first death occurred on April 11, and subsequent cases led to the ship being denied docking at several ports before being permitted to anchor off Tenerife. Spanish health authorities have described the planning to prevent hantavirus spread as "unprecedented."

Following the disembarkation, the ship is scheduled to sail to Rotterdam, Netherlands, for thorough disinfection. Some crew members will remain onboard during this journey, while others will be evacuated by a Dutch government plane on May 11.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that all passengers and crew receive appropriate care and that measures are in place to prevent further transmission.