11.05.2026 01:19
A concerning development has occurred regarding passengers evacuated from the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius cruise ship, where a hantavirus outbreak took place. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that one of the five passengers brought to the country has shown symptoms of hantavirus. As evacuations continue in Tenerife, passengers are being sent to their countries under strict health measures, while French passengers have been placed in isolation and a long-term quarantine process has been initiated.
A concerning development has occurred regarding passengers evacuated from the luxury Dutch-flagged MV Hondius cruise ship, where a hantavirus outbreak took place. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced that hantavirus symptoms were detected in one of the five passengers brought to the country. It was stated that the passenger is being closely monitored by health teams.
EVACUATIONS CONTINUE IN TENERIFE
The ship, which departed from Argentina heading to Cabo Verde in West Africa and saw three deaths due to hantavirus, had anchored at the Granadilla Port in Tenerife, part of Spain's Canary Islands. Images shared by Spanish Civil Protection showed the intense security measures and details of the evacuation operation at the port.
Authorities stated that the passengers were taken to Sur-Reina Sofia Airport in Tenerife under convoy. It was reported that the passengers were sent to their countries under health checks.
PASSENGERS TAKEN TO PARIS PLACED IN ISOLATION
Local sources reported that the plane carrying French passengers arrived in Paris and was met by emergency teams at the airport. French Prime Minister Lecornu announced that hantavirus symptoms were seen in one of the five people brought to the country and that all passengers have been placed in isolation under strict supervision.
French authorities stated that the passengers would initially be kept under observation in the hospital for 72 hours, followed by a 45-day home quarantine.
EVACUATIONS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT IN GROUPS
Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia had previously stated that the evacuations were carried out in a specific order. It was reported that Spanish citizens were first brought ashore in groups of five on small boats, followed by the evacuation of Dutch passengers.
Authorities noted that in later stages, citizens from Turkey, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States were disembarked from the ship, while passengers from Australia, New Zealand, and some Asian countries will be the last to be evacuated.
CREW WILL REMAIN ON THE SHIP
Meanwhile, it was reported that about 30 crew members will remain on the ship and the MV Hondius will continue its journey towards the Netherlands. Authorities stated that the evacuation and health checks are being conducted with great sensitivity due to the risk posed by hantavirus.