Cruise ship hit by hantavirus arrives in Tenerife to evacuate passengers
Spanish passengers began disembarking the MV Hondius in Tenerife on Sunday as medical teams in hazmat suits screened travelers for a deadly hantavirus infection
An evacuation of passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius began on Sunday morning after the vessel anchored near Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The ship is currently at the center of a deadly outbreak of hantavirus, prompting immediate action from health authorities. Spanish nationals were the first group to be taken off the vessel as part of a coordinated effort to manage the spread of the infection and ensure passenger safety.[1][2]
Medical teams wearing full hazmat suits assisted the departing passengers, who were seen wearing blue plastic ponchos and hair coverings as they moved from the ship to the shore. These health officials conducted thorough screenings for the hantavirus infection before allowing individuals to disembark. This phase of the operation focused on the initial group of travelers being moved to safety on Sunday.[1]
While Spanish passengers were the first to arrive on shore, groups of nationals from other countries are scheduled to follow in the coming stages of the evacuation. The vessel anchored near Tenerife in the Canary Islands early on Sunday morning to facilitate the arrival of passengers on shore. This multi-national evacuation continues as authorities manage the response to the outbreak.[2]
