Cape Verde has refused docking permission to the cruise ship MV Hondius at Praia's port, leaving 149 passengers from 23 different countries stranded at sea amidst a hantavirus outbreak that has already claimed three lives and left two crew members in serious condition.
Maria da Luz Lima, the president of Cape Verde's National Institute of Public Health, announced the decision on Sunday evening, stating, "In coordination with other authorities, the ship was not granted authorization to dock at Praia's port."
This preventive measure aims to safeguard the health of Cape Verde's population from the potential health risks posed by the vessel.
From Voyage to Tragedy
The MV Hondius, operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, embarked from Ushuaia on March 20 for a 46-day journey to Cape Verde, with planned stops at South Georgia and Saint Helena Islands.
The first fatality was a 70-year-old Dutch passenger who died on board on April 11; his body was offloaded at Saint Helena Island on April 24, accompanied by his 69-year-old wife.
Tragically, she fell ill during the return journey and collapsed at Johannesburg airport while attempting to fly to the Netherlands, eventually passing away at a local hospital.
On May 2, a German passenger also died on board, though the official cause of his death remains undetermined.
Critical Condition and Urgent Evacuations
A 69-year-old British citizen, urgently evacuated to Johannesburg on April 27, remains in critical condition in an intensive care unit. He is the only laboratory-confirmed case of hantavirus, while five other cases are suspected.
Additionally, two crew members—one British and one Dutch—are still on board, exhibiting severe respiratory symptoms that require "urgent medical attention," according to the cruise line.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is overseeing the medical evacuation of these two crew members, while Cape Verde prepares an emergency air ambulance.
Oceanwide Expeditions acknowledged in a statement that "we are facing complex challenges" and assured that "the health and safety of all passengers and crew are our top priority."
Possible Alternative Destination in Canary Islands
Following Cape Verde's denial, the cruise line is considering redirecting the vessel towards Las Palmas or Tenerife in the Canary Islands, which are two to three days away by sea.
The 149 passengers on board—including 17 Americans, 14 Spaniards, and at least one Argentine—are under strict isolation measures, hygiene protocols, and medical surveillance.
Understanding the Hantavirus Threat
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through inhalation of aerosols contaminated with the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rodents.
The Andes virus, present in Argentina and Chile, is suspected in this outbreak and is the only documented strain capable of person-to-person transmission, albeit rarely.
In 2026, Argentina declared an active health alert with 32 cases reported from January to early May, primarily in the southern Andes provinces.
The mortality rate for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is approximately 35-38%, with no specific antiviral treatment available.
WHO Calls for Calm
Despite the seriousness of the outbreak, the WHO emphasized that there is no reason for panic. "The risk to the general public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions," stated Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that "swift and coordinated action is crucial to contain risks and protect public health."
Kluge framed the incident in a broader context: "Health threats know no borders. Working together is how we protect people."
FAQs on the Hantavirus Outbreak and MV Hondius
What measures are being taken to ensure passenger safety on the MV Hondius?
Passengers are under strict isolation measures, hygiene protocols, and medical surveillance to ensure their safety during the outbreak.
Why did Cape Verde deny docking permission to the MV Hondius?
Cape Verde denied docking to protect its population from the health risks associated with the hantavirus outbreak on the ship.
What is the hantavirus and how is it transmitted?
Hantavirus is a virus transmitted primarily through inhalation of aerosols contaminated with the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rodents.