The MV Hondius, a Dutch expedition cruise ship from Oceanwide Expeditions, arrived off Tenerife’s Granadilla Port around 5:30 a.m. local time Sunday (May 10, 2026), after a hantavirus outbreak killed three passengers and sickened eight others (six confirmed, two suspected). Nearly 150 passengers and crew from 23 nationalities, all currently asymptomatic, now face coordinated disembarkation and repatriation flights home.
A medical screening tent was erected overnight at the port. Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia confirmed no public health risk, with 14 Spanish citizens disembarking first in groups of five via small boats to shore, then busing to Tenerife South Airport. Other nationals will follow through EU and bilateral arrangements, guided by WHO’s Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, who joined officials on-site Saturday.
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The outbreak emerged post-Antarctica voyage; two deaths occurred aboard after detection during stops like St. Helena, where some passengers left early. Rodent exposure via urine/droppings/feces transmits hantavirus, per WHO; risk to general public remains low.
Spain’s central government overrode Canary Islands’ initial docking objections, directing Spaniards to Madrid’s Gomez-Ulla military hospital for quarantine if needed. Crew will steam to Rotterdam for decontamination.
