The MV Hondius cruise ship has arrived in Tenerife, Spain, nearly a month after the first passenger died from the hantavirus. Around 100 people on board are now awaiting repatriation. The ship reached the vicinity of Granadilla port before dawn on May 10, 2026.
Spain's health minister called the operation to manage the virus outbreak "unprecedented." This complex mission involves 23 countries. Intensive preparations are in place to ensure the safety of both passengers and the local population. The ship will not be allowed to dock immediately. A one nautical mile security perimeter will be maintained. It will drop anchor at sea to continue its isolation. This carefully planned operation aims to prevent the spread of the Andes strain of the hantavirus. Concerns had been raised by local residents in the Canary Islands. The president of the Canary Islands stated he would not feel calm until everyone left the ship.
The hantavirus is a rare but serious illness. It is carried by rodents and can be transmitted to humans. The virus has an incubation period of up to nine weeks. The current outbreak is linked to a landfill site in Argentina. Rodents in that area carry the virus. It is rare for it to pass between people. However, three passengers on the MV Hondius have already died.
Spanish health authorities are taking extreme precautions. "The risk of contagion for the general population is low," stated health minister Mónica García. She urged against alarmism and misinformation. Security measures at the port have significantly increased. Spain's military police and disaster response teams are on-site. Large reception tents have been set up. Access to the waterfront is restricted.
Medical teams are set to board the ship as it manoeuvres into position. They will check everyone for signs of the virus. Current reports indicate no other passengers are showing symptoms. Passengers will be separated by nationality. They will then be transported to shore in small boats. Charter planes are expected at the local airport for repatriation. The UK, US, and multiple EU member states are sending aircraft. Medically equipped planes are on standby. These will be used if anyone needs to be taken into isolation.
Spanish nationals will be flown to Madrid. They will undergo a mandatory quarantine at the Gomez Ulla military hospital. The duration of quarantine for those in Spain and elsewhere remains uncertain. The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is in Tenerife. He is overseeing the disembarking process. He praised the authorities for their "solid and effective response." He also acknowledged the public's concerns, citing the trauma of Covid-19. However, he reassured people that the risk of wider contagion is low. This is due to the virus's behaviour and the Spanish government's preparedness.
Dozens of intensive care specialists are on alert at Candelaria hospital. This is in case any passengers become seriously ill during the transfer. The hospital has a fully equipped isolation bed for infectious diseases. It includes testing kits and a ventilator. "We are absolutely ready," said chief intensive care doctor Mar Martin. Staff have protective suits, masks, and gloves. "We've never seen [hantavirus] before – but it's a virus, with some complications, just like we manage every day."
Some local residents initially expressed anger about the ship being diverted. Port workers protested, concerned about safety measures. However, increased clarity and preparedness have brought more calm. "The virus is dangerous, of course. But they say you need to have very close contact to get it," said Jennifer, a local resident. "If we're careful, we hope it's not too serious." Others were annoyed by the decision to send the ship to Tenerife. Around 30 crew members will remain on board. They will take the ship back to the Netherlands. For most passengers, an end to weeks of fear is in sight. The focus now shifts to the upcoming quarantine period.