The MV Hondius cruise ship, carrying an outbreak of hantavirus, will disembark its passengers in Tenerife this weekend. This decision stems from an agreement between the Spanish government and the World Health Organization (WHO). Three individuals evacuated earlier in Cape Verde due to illness are among those affected.
This imminent arrival has sparked considerable concern and anger among Tenerife's port workers and residents. They cite potential health risks and a perceived lack of adequate safety measures and information. Local port workers have voiced fears about working in the port without special safety protocols in place.
The situation highlights broader tensions within the Canary Islands regarding international events impacting local resources. Residents often experience the islands as a hub for various international issues, including the ongoing arrival of undocumented migrants. This contributes to a sense of frustration among some islanders.
Joana Batista, a representative of a local port workers' union, stated, "We're unhappy at the idea of being allowed to work in a port without special safety measures or information when an infected boat is approaching." Some union members have threatened to block the ship's arrival if their demands for safety and transparency are not met. The president of the Canary Islands region, Fernando Clavijo, also voiced strong opposition to the cruise ship's arrival, which the central government reportedly disregarded.
In response to public outcry, the central government provided details of the ship's arrival. The vessel will not dock directly in Tenerife. Instead, it will anchor at sea, and passengers will be ferried to the vast industrial port of Granadilla. This port is located in the south-east of the island, well away from residential areas. Passengers will be repatriated shortly after their arrival. The 14 Spanish nationals on board will go to Madrid for quarantine. Virginia Barcones, head of Spain's civil protection agency, assured the public there would be no contact between passengers and local residents. She insisted residents "will be absolutely and completely protected."
The government's efforts have somewhat alleviated concerns for some islanders, such as pensioner Marialaina Retina Fernández. She notes, "Now I'm a bit calmer because there's more information." Despite this, the arrival of the multi-national cruise ship remains an unwelcome reminder for many Canary islanders of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. A German tourist on La Gomera was Spain's first identified COVID-19 case, leading to extensive quarantines in Tenerife. The far-right Vox party has tried to exploit the issue, drawing parallels with undocumented migrant arrivals, though the WHO and Spanish government have downplayed comparisons to the COVID pandemic. This event continues to test the islands' resilience and capacity for managing complex international situations.