Spain will rescue 147 passengers and crew stranded aboard the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius after Cape Verde refused to let the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship dock, forcing the vessel to sail three days to the Canary Islands.
A Dutch couple and German national died from the rare rodent-borne disease in early April aboard the luxury vessel, which departed Argentina on April 1 bound for Cape Verde. Two crew members now require urgent medical care, according to ship operator Oceanwide Expeditions.
WHO Suspects Human-to-Human Transmission
The World Health Organization told Spain that Cape Verde lacked capabilities to handle the outbreak among the 88 passengers and 59 crew from 23 countries. A British passenger evacuated earlier remains in intensive care in South Africa.
Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness, revealed Tuesday that officials suspect rare human-to-human transmission occurred between close contacts aboard the ship.
We do believe that there may be some human-to-human transmission that's happening among the really close contacts, the husband and wife, people who have shared cabins.
Spain's Health Ministry said it has "moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are also several Spanish citizens." The ministry will first evacuate the ship's Dutch doctor, described as gravely ill, via medical flight at the Dutch government's request.
Canary Islands Quarantine Protocol
Once the MV Hondius docks at either Gran Canaria or Tenerife, Spanish authorities will examine all passengers and crew in coordination with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and WHO. The ministry promised "all necessary safety measures" using special facilities and vehicles to avoid contact with locals and protect health workers.
Hantavirus typically spreads from infected rodents through urine, droppings and saliva. The current outbreak represents an unusually deadly cluster, with multiple fatalities concentrated in a confined space. Another person aboard shows only mild fever symptoms.
Van Kerkhove sent a direct message to those still aboard: "We just want you to know we are working with the ship's operators. We are working with the countries where you are from. We hear you. We know that you are scared."
The Netherlands government said Tuesday it was preparing to receive evacuated Dutch nationals once the ship reaches Spanish territory. Spain will coordinate repatriation efforts for all passengers back to their home countries after medical clearance.
The rescue highlights European cooperation in maritime emergencies, but raises questions about why Cape Verde — the ship's original destination — refused assistance despite international maritime law requiring ports to provide aid in medical emergencies.
