Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that plans are being drawn up to rescue British nationals stranded on a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak. Over 20 Britons are among those trapped on the MV Hondius in the Atlantic, where three people have died and at least five others are seriously ill.
One British citizen remains in critical but stable condition in a South African hospital, while another, reported to be the ship's doctor, is awaiting evacuation. The Dutch-flagged vessel, which was on a round-the-world voyage from Argentina, had been expected to dock in the Canary Islands, but the regional leader has refused entry, citing public health risks.
In a post on X, Mr Starmer said: 'My thoughts are with those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius. We are working closely with international partners to support British nationals on board and we’re putting plans in place for their safe onward travel.' He added that the risk to the wider public 'remains very low'.
Hantavirus is typically transmitted through rat urine, droppings, or saliva, but experts suggest close contact between passengers may have contributed to the spread. There is no specific treatment or cure, though early medical intervention improves survival chances. Passengers remain confined to their cabins while disinfection and other public health measures are carried out.
The World Health Organisation reported that seven of the 147 passengers and crew have fallen ill, with three fatalities. One patient is in intensive care in South Africa and is improving, while two others on the ship are being prepared for medical evacuation to the Netherlands. Medical teams from Cape Verde have boarded the vessel with personal protective equipment to assist and investigate the outbreak's source.
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'We are closely monitoring reports of a potential hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius and stand ready to support British nationals if needed. We are in touch with the cruise company and local authorities.' The British passenger evacuated to Johannesburg on April 27 is understood to be recovering in intensive care.
