New footage reveals deserted spaces and masked staff aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship following a suspected hantavirus outbreak that has resulted in three deaths and left several passengers ill. The ship remains stranded off Cape Verde as authorities grapple with evacuation and disembarkation plans.

Outbreak on the MV Hondius

Disturbing new video footage has surfaced from within the MV Hondius cruise ship, revealing a starkly deserted atmosphere and masked crew members. The outbreak has tragically claimed the lives of three passengers and left at least four others unwell. The vessel, carrying approximately 150 individuals, remains largely under lockdown with passengers confined to their cabins off the coast of Cape Verde.

Challenges with Disembarkation

Local health authorities have denied docking permission to safeguard public health, creating a precarious situation for those on board. The footage depicts empty decks and vacant common areas as passengers adhere to strict isolation protocols. A team of five individuals in full protective gear were observed disembarking the ship via a small boat.

WHO and Cruise Operator Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised passengers to remain in their cabins and minimize risk while disinfection procedures are underway. Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise operator, reported that two crew members, one British and one Dutch, are currently exhibiting acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe, necessitating urgent medical attention.

Ship's Doctor Among the Ill

Notably, the ship’s doctor, a British national, is among those afflicted, having dedicatedly cared for patients until falling ill himself. The evacuation of sick passengers is proving challenging, with two specialized aircraft being prepared, but a firm timeline remains uncertain.

Current Status and Potential Destinations

As of May 4, 2026, the WHO has identified seven cases linked to the outbreak, including the three fatalities, one critically ill patient, and three with mild symptoms. A definitive disembarkation plan for the remaining 149 passengers from 23 countries is pending. Potential destinations include Las Palmas or Tenerife, where medical screening under the supervision of the WHO and Dutch health services could be conducted, but no concrete arrangements have been confirmed.

Timeline of Fatalities

The first death, a 70-year-old Dutch man, occurred on April 11, with his body repatriated on April 24. His 69-year-old wife subsequently succumbed to the illness, and a British passenger was medically evacuated to South Africa, where they tested positive for hantavirus. A German passenger also died on board on May 2.

Hantavirus Information and Risks

The UK Government advises that symptoms typically manifest between two and four weeks after exposure, with a range of two to eight weeks, raising concerns about potential further cases. Hantaviruses, transmitted by rodents through contact with their urine, droppings, and saliva, have a mortality rate of around 40 percent, according to the US Centers for Disease Control.

The situation remains fluid and complex, with ongoing efforts to secure the safety and well-being of all those affected. The uncertainty surrounding evacuation and disembarkation continues to weigh heavily on the passengers and crew of the MV Hondius.