Nervousness is growing in the Canary Islands: the Dutch expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, on board which a dangerous hantavirus outbreak has already claimed three lives, will now, following major protests by dock workers and regional politicians, not be allowed to dock directly at the port of Granadilla in Tenerife. Instead, the vessel will remain anchored offshore, while passengers are transferred to shore using smaller boats.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The decision came after an escalating dispute between the Canary Islands’ regional government and Madrid. In particular, threats by port workers to block port operations in the event of a regular docking significantly increased pressure on the authorities.
Three dead and several infected on board
The outbreak on board the MV Hondius is now considered one of the most unusual viral incidents on a cruise ship since the coronavirus pandemic. According to current reports, at least five infections have been confirmed, with additional suspected cases under investigation. Three people have already died as a result of the illness.
Particularly concerning: the pathogen is believed to be the rare Andes variant of hantavirus – the only known type of hantavirus that, under certain circumstances, can also be transmitted from person to person. Experts emphasise that this typically requires close and prolonged contact, but international health authorities are nevertheless monitoring the situation with great concern.
Origin likely in Argentina
According to current investigations, a Dutch couple is believed to have become infected in Ushuaia in southern Argentina before the start of the voyage. Health authorities say the pair had taken part in birdwatching near a landfill site, where they are thought to have come into contact with contaminated rodent droppings.
The man died a few weeks later on board the ship, while his wife later passed away in South Africa. After that, further suspected cases began to emerge among passengers and crew members.
WHO requests Spain’s assistance
The World Health Organization (WHO) had officially requested Spain’s assistance after Cape Verde indicated it was unable to cope with the situation medically. As a result, the Spanish central government decided to accept the ship on humanitarian grounds.
The Canary Islands’ regional government reacted with outrage. Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo sharply criticised Madrid, citing a lack of transparency and insufficient safety information. He said the island government had partly learned of the decision only through media reports.
The municipality of Granadilla de Abona also demanded “maximum health guarantees” before any disembarkation could take place.
Ship to remain offshore for now
To ease the situation, the authorities ultimately announced a compromise: the MV Hondius will not berth directly in the port. Instead, the vessel will remain offshore. Passengers will be brought ashore using so-called tender boats and will then undergo medical checks.
According to Spain’s Ministry of Health, foreign passengers are to be repatriated to their home countries as quickly as possible – but only if they are symptom-free. Spanish nationals are expected to be taken to Madrid and placed under quarantine there.
Fears of a repeat of the COVID era
On Tenerife, the case has triggered uncomfortable memories of the COVID-19 pandemic among many residents. Concerns are growing on social media and in local media that the island could once again become the centre of an international public health emergency.
Health experts are, however, trying to reassure the public. According to the WHO, the risk to the general population is currently low. Unlike COVID-19, the Andes hantavirus is significantly harder to transmit and usually requires close personal contact.
Nevertheless, the situation remains tense. The MV Hondius is expected off Tenerife in the coming days – accompanied by one of the largest medical and logistical operations in the Canary Islands in years.
