The MV Hondius, a passenger ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is currently undergoing a medical evacuation after a suspected Hantavirus outbreak left several passengers and crew members seriously ill and resulted in the deaths of three passengers in early May 2026. The ship, which has been stranded off the coast of Cape Verde, has been barred from docking, with authorities placing the vessel in isolation. The outbreak has caused alarm, as the virus, typically transmitted by infected rodents, has spread to multiple individuals aboard the ship.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seven total cases have been confirmed, including fatalities and critically ill patients. Two critically ill crew members, along with one close contact, will be evacuated via aircraft to the Netherlands for urgent treatment. Once the evacuation is completed, the ship will continue its journey toward Spain’s Canary Islands, where it is expected to arrive in about three to four days. The Canary Islands were identified by WHO as the closest location with the necessary medical facilities for further care.

As the investigation into the outbreak continues, WHO is exploring the possibility of human-to-human transmission among close contacts on the ship. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, a WHO representative, stated that the situation is under investigation, as officials try to determine how the virus spread. Meanwhile, authorities in Cape Verde have deployed medical teams in protective gear to the vessel.

Despite the serious situation, passengers on board have managed to maintain morale. Passengers, including Qasem Elhato and Helene Goessaert, have shared that they are staying occupied with reading, movies, and hot drinks while awaiting further updates. Isolation measures and hygiene protocols are being strictly followed, while evacuation plans continue to be coordinated.

Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed that once the evacuation of the critically ill passengers is completed, the MV Hondius will continue its route toward Gran Canaria or Tenerife, where the remaining passengers and crew will undergo medical examination and care. WHO continues to monitor the situation, with experts working to understand the virus’s transmission and to ensure the safety of all those involved.