A British national who left the hantavirus-affected cruise ship early is missing, as health authorities attempt to locate the individual. Seven British passengers disembarked from the MV Hondius mid-voyage alongside a woman who later died, it has emerged.
A total of 29 people left the vessel when it docked at the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena, including a Dutch woman who became unwell during onward travel and subsequently died. The woman was accompanying her husband's body, which was being repatriated after he died on the ship on April 11.
A spokesperson for the UK Health Security Agency stated: "We are aware of seven British Nationals who disembarked the ship at St Helena on April 24. Two of these individuals are now self-isolating in the UK while the others have not yet returned. Four of these individuals remain in St Helena and we are in touch with the relevant health officials to provide advice on contact management. Tracing efforts are ongoing for the seventh individual, who we know has not yet returned to the UK."
Officials have warned that more cases may emerge as investigations continue. The MV Hondius was travelling from Argentina when passengers began falling ill. The situation remains under close monitoring by health authorities in multiple jurisdictions.
