Cruise ship MV Hondius arrived off the shores of Tenerife on Sunday morning after a hantavirus outbreak on board, with experts from the World Health Organization and Spanish authorities overseeing the controlled disembarkation of passengers.
Following the arrival of the cruise ship, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said officials were coordinating the next phase of a safe and organised passenger disembarkation operation.
Dr. Tedros said the disembarkation of the first group of MV Hondius passengers had begun, with WHO experts on the ground working alongside Spain’s Health Ministry to conduct epidemiological assessments and coordinate charter flights with the Interior Ministry. He added that the collaboration remained essential to ensuring a safe and well-managed disembarkation process.
The WHO chief emphasized that hantavirus “is not COVID” and said the risk to Tenerife residents remains low due to the nature of the disease and the preventive measures implemented by Spanish authorities. He praised Spain’s handling of the situation under the International Health Regulations and commended the support shown by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the people of Tenerife, and the broader Spanish public.
“Solidarity is the best immunity,” Tedros said.
Spain’s Health Ministry said the disembarkation process for 14 Spanish nationals aboard the ship had begun after all passengers cleared epidemiological evaluations and showed no symptoms. They were later flown to Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base in Madrid and will remain under quarantine and health monitoring at Gómez Ulla Hospital, according to the ministry.
Meanwhile, Spanish Health Minister Mónica García said the 14 Spanish nationals were evacuated in small groups using “bubble buses” operated by the Military Emergencies Unit, with disinfection procedures and personal protective equipment used throughout every stage of the transfer, she said.
García said, “The entire world is watching us, and Spain has demonstrated its capacity to lead an international public health emergency. We are carrying out an unprecedented evacuation in coordination with 23 countries. We are a compassionate and efficient country at the same time.”
The Spanish Health Ministry also stated that the operation was designed to avoid any contact between passengers and the local population, with only essential personnel equipped with full protective gear participating in loading and unloading operations.
According to WHO, as of May 8, a total of eight cases, including three deaths, have been reported. WHO said six of the cases were confirmed as Andes virus. On May 9, Dr. Tedros of WHO said there were no symptomatic passengers aboard the vessel at that time.
