Evacuation of British Passengers Underway
The evacuation of British passengers from a cruise ship struck by a hantavirus outbreak has commenced. The MV Hondius arrived in Tenerife on Sunday morning, with Spanish authorities beginning evacuations by nationality. The World Health Organisation (WHO) aims to complete the evacuation by 7pm on Monday, except for 30 crew members remaining onboard.
A chartered Titan Airways flight was scheduled to evacuate British nationals from Tenerife South Airport on Sunday afternoon. The Airbus A320 will transport passengers to Manchester Airport, from where they will be taken to the UK's initial Covid quarantine site for isolation.
Isolation at Arrowe Park Hospital
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that 22 British passengers and crew will be transferred to an isolation facility at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, Merseyside. Passengers have been instructed to leave their luggage on the ship and only take essential items like phones and passports.
Emergency services in North West England expect passengers to be kept in the 'managed setting' for up to 72 hours. The hospital is operating as normal, with no risk to patients, visitors, or staff. Following isolation, public health specialists will assess whether passengers can isolate at home or another suitable location.
Hantavirus Cases and Deaths
Eight cases, including three deaths, have been reported. One previous suspected case was reclassified after testing negative. Three British nationals are among the cases: two confirmed with hantavirus are hospitalized in South Africa and the Netherlands, and one suspected case is on the British overseas territory of Tristan da Cunha.
Six paratroopers, an RAF consultant, and an Army nurse from 16 Air Assault Brigade were parachuted onto Tristan da Cunha with oxygen supplies and medical aid. The Ministry of Defence noted this was the first time medical personnel were parachuted in for humanitarian support.
WHO Reassures Public
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated the outbreak is 'not another Covid' and the risk to the public is low. He addressed a letter to Tenerife residents, assuring them that passengers would be transported through sealed corridors directly to repatriation flights.
Spanish authorities confirmed no passengers showed symptoms. The first group of 14 Spanish nationals was evacuated to a hospital in Madrid. Passengers who test negative and are asymptomatic will be taken directly to the repatriation flight.
Repatriation and Isolation Details
After returning to the UK, passengers will stay in self-isolation for 45 days and cannot use public transport to reach their homes. The accommodation block at Arrowe Park is away from public areas, with clinical assessments and testing as a precaution.
Thirty crew members and a nurse from the Netherlands, along with the body of a deceased passenger, will remain on the ship. The vessel will sail to Rotterdam for disinfection.
Government Response
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the safety of 'all members of the British family' as the top priority. Janelle Holmes, CEO of Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, confirmed the facility would house the guests, noting their experience from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Professor Robin May, UKHSA Chief Scientific Officer, stated: 'We continue to work at pace with our international partners to ensure the safe repatriation of British nationals.' A joint statement from NHS England and local authorities confirmed the risk to the general population remains very low.
Background of the Outbreak
The outbreak is linked to a birdwatching expedition in Argentina that two passengers went on before boarding. The MV Hondius departed Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1 for a transatlantic cruise. Health authorities in several countries are tracking passengers who disembarked earlier.
A flight attendant on KLM who had contact with an infected passenger tested negative for hantavirus. Two Singapore residents who were on the ship tested negative but remain in quarantine. Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator, stated they are working with authorities to resolve the situation.
