Captain Jan Dobrogowski of the MV Hondius has broken his silence following a deadly hantavirus outbreak that claimed three lives. In a video statement released by Oceanwide Expeditions, he expressed gratitude for the resilience of passengers and crew, stating, 'Our responsibility does not end here.'
Captain's Message of Gratitude
Dobrogowski said, 'Dear guests, dear crew, dear family members back at home… I have decided to take this time to thank every single guest and crew member on board here. The past few weeks have been extremely challenging for us all.' He highlighted the 'patience, discipline, and kindness' shown by everyone, adding, 'What touched me the most was the unity and quiet strength amongst everyone on board.'
Outbreak Details
Three people died in the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, which was traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde. Two British nationals are receiving treatment in the Netherlands and South Africa, while two others are isolating at home. The Andes strain of hantavirus, which can spread person-to-person, was identified in several cases.
Quarantine Measures in the UK
Twenty British passengers are undergoing a 45-day isolation period at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside after being evacuated from the ship. They arrived under police escort and are being monitored for symptoms. Professor Robin May of the UK Health Security Agency noted that all evacuees are currently healthy and asymptomatic, but the isolation period may be updated based on scientific advice.
Support for Passengers
Janelle Holmes, CEO of Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust, assured that passengers will receive welfare checks and support. 'They're going to be absolutely shattered and traumatised by the whole experience,' she said. If symptoms develop, patients will be transferred to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital's Tropical and Infectious Diseases Unit.
Military Assistance
A British man on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha is a suspected case. Six British Army paratroopers and two medical clinicians parachuted onto the island to assist local medical staff, marking the first time the UK military has airdropped medical personnel for humanitarian support.
Origin of the Outbreak
Patient zero is believed to be Leo Schilperoord, a 70-year-old Dutch birdwatcher who visited a landfill site in Ushuaia, Argentina. He became ill six days into the voyage and died on April 11. His wife, Mirjam, died shortly after disembarking in South Africa. The virus spreads through inhalation of aerosolized rodent droppings and urine.
