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Two Indian crew evacuated to the Netherlands after hantavirus cases on MV Hondius
Two Indian nationals aboard the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius were evacuated to the Netherlands after hantavirus cases were reported on board. The ship began its journey from Ushuaia on April 1, 2026 and arrived at the Canary Islands on May 10, 2026, where passengers disembarked under WHO and Spanish authorities' protocols and the two Indian crew were evacuated with disinfection and PPE in use.
Why It Matters
This incident shows cross-border public health coordination and the containment measures used when infectious disease outbreaks occur on international vessels.
Timeline
3 Events
Article reporting on evacuation published
May 11, 2026
The article reporting the evacuation and related health measures was published.
MV Hondius reaches Canary Islands; two Indian crew evacuated to the Netherlands; passengers disembark under WHO/Spanish protocols; disinfection and PPE used
May 10, 2026
The ship, with around 150 people including two Indian crew members, anchored in the Canary Islands after hantavirus cases were reported. The two Indian nationals were evacuated to the Netherlands for quarantine; passengers disembarked following protocols. Disinfection processes and PPE were used during the transfer, and Exterior Health confirmed that all evacuees are asymptomatic.
MV Hondius begins its voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina
April 1, 2026
The luxury cruise ship MV Hondius started its journey from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026.