The MV Hondius cruise ship, which experienced a suspected hantavirus outbreak, has arrived and anchored off Tenerife in the Canary Islands for the evacuation of its passengers and some crew members.
Evacuation and Testing Procedures
Spanish health authorities will test all passengers, none of whom are currently displaying symptoms, before they are transported to land via small boats. They will then be taken by sealed buses to the airport for repatriation flights.
British Passengers
The 22 British passengers on board are expected to be flown back to the UK on a chartered flight after being tested on the ship. They will then be transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, Merseyside, for clinical assessment and a 72-hour isolation period.
Local Protests and Disputes
The ship's arrival has been met with protests from Tenerife residents and dock workers concerned about potential health risks. This follows previous difficulties in finding a port to dock and a dispute between the Spanish government and regional authorities.
Supervision and Safety Assurances
The evacuation is being supervised by the World Health Organization Director-General and Spanish ministers. Authorities have assured that disembarking individuals will have no contact with the local population. The UK Health Security Agency maintains that the risk to the general public remains very low.
