MV Hondius Hantavirus Outbreak: Australians and New Zealander Among Final Evacuees from Canary Islands
What began as a luxury getaway has turned into a medical crisis for passengers aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius. Following a hantavirus outbreak that has claimed three lives, a complex international evacuation effort is now entering its final stages in Spain’s Canary Islands.
- Casualties: Three passengers have died, and five others have fallen ill.
- Evacuation Scale: 149 passengers and crew are being ferried to shore via small boats.
- Australian Repatriation: Four citizens, one permanent resident, and one New Zealand national are among the last to leave.
- Health Protocol: All returning passengers will undergo quarantine at medical facilities in Perth.
A Complex and Controlled Evacuation
The evacuation process in Tenerife has been described as long and complex, designed specifically to prevent any contact between the passengers and the general public. According to reports from RNZ, passengers were required to wear protective gear as they were transported from the ship in small boats to the industrial port of Granadilla de Abona.
Once ashore, passengers were grouped by nationality and transported via military buses to the airport—a short ten-minute drive—where they were placed on government-provided flights. To maintain strict bio-security, passengers were only permitted to disembark the ship once their respective repatriation aircraft had arrived.
Repatriation of Australian and New Zealand Nationals
Among the final group to be evacuated are four Australian citizens, one permanent resident, and one New Zealander. Due to the logistics of the repatriation flight, this group remained on the ship longer than other nationalities.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that a government-supported charter flight is scheduled to depart Tenerife for Perth around 3:00 am Tuesday AEST. Medical personnel will be on board the flight to monitor the passengers, although officials have confirmed that none of the repatriated individuals are currently displaying symptoms of hantavirus.
Upon arrival in Perth, the passengers will be placed in quarantine at medical facilities. These measures are being managed by state governments to ensure the safety of the broader community.
Government Response and Coordination
The Australian government has been coordinating the response through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), with officials stationed both in Canberra and Tenerife.
Environment Minister Murray Watt highlighted the emotional toll of the crisis, stating:
“It’s obviously a terrible situation that these people are in, going on a cruise expecting to have a nice holiday and finding themselves in this situation.”
A federal government spokesperson emphasized that the “number one priority is the safety of passengers and the Australian community.”
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a family of viruses typically transmitted to humans through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. While rare, it can lead to severe respiratory distress and systemic failure. In the confined environment of a cruise ship, the rapid identification and isolation of cases are critical to preventing further spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were affected on the MV Hondius?
Three passengers have died and five others have fallen ill. In total, 149 passengers and crew members were involved in the evacuation process.
Why are the Australian passengers being quarantined?
As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of the Australian community, the government is requiring all repatriated passengers to undergo quarantine at medical facilities upon their arrival in Perth.
Where is the MV Hondius located?
The ship is currently docked in Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands, where passengers are being transferred through the port of Granadilla de Abona.
As the final passengers depart Tenerife, health authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent further transmission and provide care for those affected by the outbreak.