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Watch: Tenerife resident calls docking of hantavirus ship 'reckless'
The MV Hondius is approaching Spain's Canary Islands after anchoring near Cape Verde for three days due to a hantavirus outbreak. Three people died on board or after travelling on the ship. The vessel is to dock at Granadilla port, Tenerife, for medical assessments and potential repatriation of passengers.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores public health responses to contagious disease on international cruise ships and the preparedness for evacuations and cross-border medical care.
Timeline
6 Events
Resident comments on the docking decision
May 7, 2026
"I don't think it's a good idea... but people do need help", said one of the residents.
Medical assessment and potential repatriation on arrival
May 7, 2026
All passengers on board will undergo a medical assessment on arrival; those from abroad who are fit to travel will be repatriated to their home countries.
Plan to dock at Granadilla port in Tenerife announced
May 7, 2026
Spain's health minister Monica Garcia said the ship would dock at Granadilla port in Tenerife, with evacuation and repatriation arrangements for passengers.
Three deaths linked to hantavirus outbreak on board or after travel
May 7, 2026
Three people have died either on board or after travelling on the MV Hondius following a hantavirus outbreak.
MV Hondius departs from Argentina
April 7, 2026
The MV Hondius cruise ship departed from Argentina, beginning its journey toward the Canary Islands.
Hondius anchors near Cape Verde for three days
April 2026
The ship anchored for three days near Cape Verde while en route to the Canary Islands.