The Hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius has officially arrived at Granadilla Port in Tenerife, with more than 140 passengers and crew on board. Local police and international media swarmed the port as the vessel approached at around 5:40 AM UK time on Sunday, May 10.
Evacuation Underway
Rescue teams, including UK government staff, immediately began evacuating up to 147 people, of whom 22 are British nationals. The evacuation must be completed within 24 hours to avoid delays from expected bad weather. Passengers can take only limited belongings and will be isolated.
Spanish Transport Minister Garcia confirmed that passengers and some crew would disembark under maximum safety conditions. The ship will not dock but remain at anchor, with people ferried off in small boats. Everyone disembarking will be checked for symptoms and will not leave the ship until a flight is already waiting in Tenerife.
International Response
Both the U.S. and the U.K. have agreed to send planes to evacuate their citizens. Americans will be quarantined at a medical center in Nebraska. All Spanish passengers will be transferred to a medical facility and quarantined. Oceanwide has listed 13 Spanish passengers and one Spanish crew member on board.
Those disembarking will leave behind their luggage, allowed only a small bag with essentials, a cellphone, charger, and documentation. Some crew, along with the body of a passenger who died on board, will remain on the ship. The vessel will then sail to the Netherlands for disinfection.
