A plane carrying some of the passengers believed infected with hantavirus from the cruise ship MV Hondius takes off from the Nelson Mandela International Airport of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on May 6, 2026.
Image: AFP
The medical evacuation of three individuals aboard the Dutch-flagged expedition vessel, MV Hondius, has concluded.
The transfer, confirmed by Dutch tour operator Oceanwide Expeditions, marks a critical turning point in the days-long standoff that saw the vessel anchored in a "sanitary corridor" after Cape Verdean authorities denied it port entry.
The three passengers, two of whom are reportedly showing acute symptoms, are now en route via specialised medical aircraft to international facilities equipped for advanced screening and care.
The evacuation follows a tragic week aboard the vessel, which has seen three confirmed fatalities linked to a rare hantavirus outbreak.
While the medical transfer brings relief to those in critical condition, the remaining 146 passengers and crew remain under strict quarantine as the ship prepares to depart for the Canary Islands under continued international surveillance.
Oceanwide Expedition revealed: “We can confirm that the three individuals previously indicated as awaiting medical transfer have been successfully disembarked from MV Hondius and are now en route via medicalised aircraft to locations able to provide specialised care and appropriate medical screening.”
“Two of the individuals remain in a serious condition. The third, while currently asymptomatic, was closely associated with the individual who passed away on board on 2 May 2026.
“The two symptomatic individuals have not tested positive for hantavirus at this time.”
It continued: “In partnership with the RIVM (Dutch Institute for Public Health and Environment), Oceanwide Expeditions is expanding medical care on board with two infectious disease physicians, arriving today by plane from the Netherlands.
“This ensures that optimal medical care can be provided if necessary, during the next stage of this evolving situation.”
The MV Hondius is currently scheduled to proceed to the Canary Islands.
However, the cruise ship is maintaining continuous and close communication with the appropriate authorities concerning the exact arrival details, including the timeline, as well as quarantine and screening protocols for all guests.
It added: “We are unable to confirm the details of onward travel for guests at this stage. This is dependent on medical advice and the outcome of stringent screening procedures.
"Close cooperation continues with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has confirmed that a passenger who travelled on the first leg of the voyage (Ushuaia to St Helena, 1–24 April 2026) has tested positive for hantavirus and is currently being treated at the University Hospital Zurich.
"His wife, who accompanied him, has not shown symptoms but is self-isolating as a precaution.”