Timeline: Hantavirus on MV Hondius and potential passenger transmission

Passengers expressed uncertainty about the situation; travel vlogger Jake Rosmarin commented on the need for safety and clarity.

Spain's health ministry downplayed speculation about taking in the ship, stating that the most appropriate next stop would be decided based on epidemiological data, and that it would not say whether passengers would be allowed to disembark.

Spain granted permission for the vessel to dock in the Canary Islands, where a risk assessment and further medical monitoring could take place.

The WHO stated there were no rats on board, disinfection was taking place, and those with symptoms or caring for patients were wearing full personal protective equipment.

Investigators are operating under the assumption that the Andes strain of hantavirus, found in South America where the voyage began, is present in the two confirmed cases.

The WHO update identified seven cases on board: two confirmed (a Dutch woman who died and a 69-year-old UK national evacuated to South Africa) and five suspected.

WHO official Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove said there may be transmission of hantavirus among really close contacts aboard the ship, and that the first ill person likely contracted the virus before boarding.

The vessel was anchored near Cape Verde, with 149 people from 23 countries aboard, under strict precautionary measures.

A person linked to the German national who died was also reported to be evacuated to the Netherlands.

Two crew members, one British and one Dutch, were reported to be medically evacuated by aircraft to the Netherlands after displaying acute respiratory symptoms, as stated by Oceanwide Expeditions.

A German national linked to the hantavirus outbreak died on May 2, 2026, according to the latest update referenced in the article.

The MV Hondius set sail from Argentina on its Atlantic voyage, as noted in reporting about the ship’s itinerary preceding the events described on May 5, 2026.