Hondius Docks in Tenerife Amid Hantavirus Concerns; Britons to Return to UK
More than 140 passengers face medical checks as three deaths are linked to the viral outbreak.
Image: Matt Weston / AI
Callum Smith
The MV Hondius, carrying over 140 passengers and crew, has docked in Tenerife, Spain, following a hantavirus outbreak that has prompted the repatriation of British citizens.
The MV Hondius, carrying over 140 passengers and crew, completed its extended sea voyage, docking in Tenerife, Spain.
Authorities now prepare to disembark and repatriate passengers from the Hondius, representing 22 distinct nationalities.
An aircraft carrying 20 British nationals flew over the quarantined MV Hondius, preparing for their return to the UK.
Twenty-two British nationals were aboard the cruise ship when it docked in the Canary Islands.
British passengers will proceed directly to a hospital in Wirral, Merseyside, for clinical assessment and further testing.
After leaving Arrowe Park, former passengers will self-isolate for an additional 42 days as a precautionary measure.
Beyond the immediate repatriation, two British nationals receive treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa, while two others voluntarily self-isolated at home in the UK.
Meanwhile, on the ground, locals in Tenerife protested the move, citing possible contamination from the disembarking passengers.
A rat carrying the hantavirus might get off the ship in the middle of the night and endanger the people of the Canary Islands.
Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, expressed concern that a rat carrying the hantavirus might 'get off the ship in the middle of the night and endanger the people of the Canary Islands.'
Authorities reassure the public of a very low risk, despite these local concerns.
The UK Health Security Agency states the risk to the general public remains very low, a sentiment echoed by the Ministry of Defence.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also confirms the public health risk of contracting hantavirus remains very low.
Alfonso Cabello confirmed that, in principle, no passengers or crew have shown symptoms since April 28.
The UK Health Security Agency reports none of the passengers have reported symptoms but remain under monitoring.
However, the World Health Organization indicates more cases are possible due to the virus's incubation period, extending the need for vigilance.
The arrival of the Hondius will have significant effects on both health services and local businesses.
Patricia Fernández Bueno stated the arrival of the Hondius will have significant effects on both health services and local businesses.
Elena Ruiz claimed insufficient protocols exist to ensure the safety of those handling the arrival, though she noted workers’ absence will not affect the ship’s arrival itself.
This incident recalls the 2020 Diamond Princess quarantine in Yokohama, Japan, where hundreds contracted a virus, sparking global concern over containment protocols and the economic impact on port cities.