Plans for the cruise ship MV Hondius to dock in the Canary Islands have been rejected following concerns linked to a hantavirus outbreak on board.
The vessel was expected to arrive in either Tenerife or Gran Canaria, but regional authorities opposed its entry, citing insufficient information and public health risks. The ship is currently reported to be stranded in isolation near Cape Verde.
Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo said allowing the vessel to dock “lacks technical criteria” and would not ensure adequate safeguards for public safety. He has requested an urgent meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to address the situation.
The development comes as health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) trace contacts linked to recent suspected hantavirus cases, including a passenger on an April 25 flight from Saint Helena to Johannesburg who later tested positive after falling critically ill.
According to officials, the outbreak has so far been linked to three deaths.
Spain’s health ministry said that if the ship is eventually permitted to dock, all 150 passengers and crew would undergo medical screening and be safely repatriated under strict health protocols.
Among those on board are 23 British nationals. Reports also indicate that the ship’s doctor, a British national, fell ill after treating passengers prior to the outbreak escalation.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator of MV Hondius, said medical evacuation arrangements are underway for two critically ill individuals and a companion of a deceased passenger, with transfers planned to the Netherlands.
Authorities are awaiting further epidemiological data from the ship’s stop in Cape Verde before making a final decision on whether it will be allowed to proceed to the Canary Islands.