Hondius Cruise Departs Cape Verde After Fatal Virus Outbreak
The cruise ship Hondius has departed Cape Verdean waters for the Canary Islands, carrying 144 asymptomatic passengers following a deadly outbreak of hantavirus on board. The vessel had been held in quarantine since Sunday after seven people fell ill, resulting in three fatalities.
Fatal Respiratory Distress at Sea
Tragedy struck the South Atlantic cruise over the weekend when three individuals died from severe respiratory difficulties before the ship could anchor near the port of Praia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seven people in total were affected by the virus, with two cases officially confirmed as hantavirus and five others listed as suspected.
As the ship set sail on Monday afternoon, Cape Verdean health authorities confirmed that three people—two symptomatic crew members and one passenger who had shared a cabin with a deceased victim—were medically evacuated. They were transported via ambulance planes from Praia International Airport to the Netherlands for specialized treatment.
Safety Measures and Support
To ensure the safety of the remaining passengers during the final leg of the journey, Cape Verde has reinforced the ship’s medical staff. “On board, there are 144 passengers, all asymptomatic and accompanied by a team of four health professionals, including doctors and epidemiologists,” announced National Director of Health Ângela Gomes.
The health professionals who assisted in the transfer of the sick patients to the airport will now undergo a period of mandatory quarantine as a precaution. Gomes emphasized that the situation was managed with “preventive responsibility” and that there was never any risk of transmission to the local population in Cape Verde.
Next Steps: Canary Islands Evacuation
The Hondius is expected to arrive in the Canary Islands in approximately three days. The Spanish government has confirmed that, upon arrival, all remaining passengers and crew will be evacuated and repatriated under the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
The WHO noted that the Canary Islands was selected as the destination because it is the nearest port equipped with the advanced technical and public health security capabilities required to manage an operation of this complexity. “Cape Verde has set an example of humanitarian action and international best practices,” Gomes said, concluding that the nation remains committed to strict international health regulations.
Image: Pexels – Frederick Adegoke Snr.
