The MV Hondius cruise ship, carrying 149 people including 14 Spaniards, remains anchored off Praia's coast in Cape Verde. Local authorities have denied docking due to fears of a hantavirus outbreak that has caused three deaths. Operator Oceanwide Expeditions is considering ports in Las Palmas or Tenerife as alternatives.
The MV Hondius departed on March 20 from Tierra del Fuego in Argentine Patagonia, bound for the Canary Islands. On April 11, a passenger died on board; the body disembarked on April 24 in Saint Helena, accompanied by his Dutch wife, who also died later. On April 27, a British passenger was evacuated critically ill to Johannesburg, where hantavirus was confirmed. On May 2, another German passenger died on board.
Currently, two crew members—one British and one Dutch—have acute respiratory symptoms and require urgent medical attention. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that laboratory tests, epidemiological investigations, and virus sequencing are underway. "The risk to the general public is low. There is no need to panic or impose travel restrictions," the WHO assures.
Cape Verde denied docking in Praia to "protect national public health," in line with the International Health Regulations. Oceanwide Expeditions has ordered passengers to stay in cabins. Spain's Ministry of Health states that "current evidence points to infection on the vessel itself".
Canary Islands Government Delegation sources confirm coordination with External Health ahead of a possible arrival. Spain's Embassy in Cape Verde is monitoring for consular assistance. No contact yet with Las Palmas or Tenerife port authorities.
