A cruise ship carrying nearly 150 people has been drifting in the Atlantic Ocean for several days following a suspected hantavirus outbreak that resulted in three fatalities and left numerous passengers critically ill. The MV Hondius, a Dutch vessel operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, had embarked on a weeks-long polar voyage from Argentina to Antarctica and remote South Atlantic islands when the outbreak commenced.
Ship anchored off Cape Verde
The vessel is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde, an island nation in West Africa, after local authorities denied permission for passengers to disembark due to public health concerns. According to footage obtained by the Associated Press, the ship's decks were largely vacant. Passengers were confined to their cabins, common areas remained deserted, and at least five individuals dressed in full protective gear, including white overalls, boots, and face masks, were observed leaving the vessel on a small boat.
Medical response and precautions
Cape Verde dispatched a team comprising doctors, surgeons, nurses, and laboratory specialists to the ship to offer medical assistance. Angela Gomes, the country's National Director of Health, informed state radio that every precaution was being implemented to safeguard the local population. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that passengers were instructed to stay in their cabins while disinfection measures were carried out. As of late Monday, the WHO reported no new cases aboard but emphasized that the situation was being closely monitored.
Voyage details and incubation period
The ship set sail from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on April 1. Argentine health officials had cleared all passengers before departure; however, they noted that hantavirus symptoms can take up to eight weeks to manifest after exposure, complicating efforts to trace the exact source and timing of the infection.
Plans for next port of call
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that the plan was for the Hondius to proceed to the Canary Islands. Spanish authorities confirmed they were in close communication with the WHO but had not yet verified the ship's arrival. The Spanish health ministry stated that the decision on the port of call would be made in coordination with international health bodies.
Operator's response
Oceanwide Expeditions released a statement indicating that the mood on board remained calm and that response protocols were operating at the highest level, encompassing isolation measures, hygiene controls, and continuous medical monitoring.
About hantavirus
Hantavirus is a rare rodent-borne illness. According to the WHO, person-to-person transmission is possible but uncommon. The fact that multiple passengers appear to have contracted the virus on a single vessel has raised questions about the infection's source and its rapid spread within the confined space at sea.
