The MV Hondius is currently carrying almost 150 passengers but the majority have been forced to stay in their rooms after a Hantavirus outbreak, which has killed three people already
Disturbing footage from inside a cruise ship packed with masked passengers and deserted decks has emerged as health workers clad in hazmat suits board the stricken vessel.
Dutch ship MV Hondius, situated off the coast of Cape Verde, is currently carrying nearly 150 stranded passengers. The vast majority of those aboard have locked themselves in their cabins to avoid the deadly Hantavirus, as panic continues to grip the ship.
The virus has already claimed the lives of three passengers and left at least eight others seriously ill. The cruise ship was barred from docking at Port of Praia, Cape Verde, as local authorities left the vessel stranded “with the aim of protecting national public health.”
READ MORE: Brit MV Hondius cruise passengers face ‘up to eight weeks isolation’ after Hantavirus exposure fearsREAD MORE: Actor, 41, dies after sharing heartbreaking last post as agent says he was ‘in the prime of his life’
The Dutch vessel is currently making its way towards Spain after Fernando Clavijo, the Canary Islands leader, declared he cannot permit it to dock in his territory. Chilling footage obtained by AP has shown ghostly, empty decks as a handful of health workers patrol the ship.
The once vibrant lounges, restaurants and dining halls are eerily empty. MV Hondius is expected to arrive at Santa Cruz de Tenerife within days, reports the Daily Star.
A Spanish government statement confirmed the Canary Islands are the “closest location with the necessary capabilities” to treat those onboard. It added: “Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are also several Spanish citizens.”
What is Hantavirus?
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) describes Hantavirus as a collection of viruses carried by rodents including mice and rats, and is spread through contact with their droppings and urine.
Symptoms include:
- fever
- extreme fatigue
- muscle aches
- stomach pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- shortness of breath
In certain cases, patients develop severe respiratory problems and require hospitalisation. Symptoms typically emerge between one and four weeks following exposure, though there are reports of this occurring up to eight weeks afterwards.
Infection takes hold when people inhale air containing virus particles. It can also enter the body via cuts, the eyes, or a rodent bite, though this remains uncommon. Infections are most frequently recorded in rural and agricultural settings.
While the majority of hantavirus strains cannot pass between humans, the Andes variant — confirmed as the type responsible for the current outbreak — is capable of doing so. When transmission between people does occur, it is through prolonged and extremely close contact.
Currently, there is neither a vaccine nor a specific course of treatment available. Those infected with the virus receive care based on managing their individual symptoms.
The latest from UKHSA
Three people, including one British national, with suspected hantavirus have been evacuated from the Hondius in order to receive medical care in the Netherlands
The remaining British nationals can now be repatriated once the ship docks at its next destination if they do not develop symptoms. None of the British citizens onboard are currently reporting symptoms but they are being closely monitored. The FCDO is making arrangements for these individuals to return to the UK, where UKHSA is working with government to support them to isolate with regular testing and contact with healthcare professionals.
UKHSA is aware of two people who have returned to the UK independently having been on board the MV Hondius. Neither of these individuals is currently reporting symptoms. They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate. UKHSA are supporting a small number of individuals identified as close contacts of those on the boat. They are being offered support and are also self-isolating. None are reporting any symptoms. The risk to the general public remains very low.
Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director for Epidemic and Emerging Infections at UKHSA said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius.
“It’s important to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains very low. We are standing up arrangements to support, isolate and monitor British nationals from the ship on their return to the UK and we are contact tracing anyone who may have been in contact with the ship or the hantavirus cases to limit the risk of onward transmission.
“UKHSA will continue to work closely with government partners to offer all necessary support.”
Oceanwide Expeditions latest
A spokesperson said: “Oceanwide Expeditions can confirm that the first of two medicalized aircraft, carrying two of the three individuals transferred from m/v Hondius earlier today has landed in the Netherlands. The two individuals on board have been received by specialist medical and screening teams. The second medicalized aircraft carrying the third individual is currently experiencing a delay. The individual on board this aircraft remains in a stable condition. We will provide an update on the arrival of this second aircraft as soon as possible.
“Oceanwide Expeditions can confirm that m/v Hondius departed Cape Verde at 19:15 CET and is now heading north. Under the current plan, m/v Hondius will sail for the Canary Islands. This is expected to take 3-4 days. Three additional medical professionals have embarked m/v Hondius to provide optimal medical care during the crossing.
“Oceanwide Expeditions remains in close and continual discussion with relevant authorities regarding our exact point of arrival, quarantine and screening procedures for all guests, and a precise timeline. 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.”
Follow our live blog for the latest updates on the MV Hondius by clicking here.
