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Cruise Ship Crew Evacuation Amid Deadly Virus Outbreak
5 May
Summary
- Two ill crew members are being evacuated from the ship.
- One British national confirmed with hantavirus is in intensive care.
- The cruise ship is off the coast of Cape Verde, awaiting a port.
The cruise ship m/v Hondius is currently off the coast of Cape Verde, facing a serious hantavirus outbreak. Oceanwide Expeditions is preparing to evacuate two ill crew members and then secure a port for comprehensive medical screening of all remaining passengers and crew.
One British passenger has been confirmed with the deadly rodent-borne respiratory illness and is receiving intensive care. The World Health Organization is tracking five other suspected cases, including three individuals who have died. Passengers are in isolation.
The situation began on April 11 with the death of a Dutch passenger. His wife later died after leaving the ship. A British passenger was evacuated on April 27, and a German passenger died on May 2.
Two crew members currently exhibit acute respiratory symptoms, one severe, requiring urgent medical attention. Local medical teams have visited the ship, but no one has disembarked. Discussions are underway to use Las Palmas or Tenerife as disembarkation points for further medical handling.
