New footage reveals deserted spaces and masked staff aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship following a suspected hantavirus outbreak. This outbreak has tragically resulted in three deaths and left several passengers ill.

Cruise Ship Under Lockdown

The ship remains stranded off Cape Verde as authorities work to evacuate the sick and determine a safe disembarkation plan for the remaining 149 passengers. Disturbing video footage shows a starkly deserted environment and masked crew members.

Precarious Situation for Passengers

The vessel, carrying approximately 150 individuals, is largely under lockdown with passengers confined to their cabins. Local health authorities have denied docking permission to safeguard public health.

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 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 exhibiting acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe.

Ship’s Doctor Among the Ill

Notably, the ship’s doctor, a British national, is among those afflicted, having cared for patients until falling ill himself.

Evacuation and Disembarkation Challenges

The evacuation of sick passengers is proving challenging, with two specialized aircraft being prepared, but a firm timeline remains uncertain. 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. The WHO is collaborating with Spanish authorities to explore a full investigation, disinfection, and risk assessment, but Spain has yet to officially approve the ship’s entry.

Outbreak Details as of May 4, 2026

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. 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 tested positive for hantavirus after being medically evacuated to South Africa. A German passenger also died on board on May 2.

Hantavirus Symptoms and Mortality

The UK Government advises that hantavirus symptoms can manifest between two days and eight weeks after exposure. The US Centers for Disease Control estimates a mortality rate of around 40 percent for hantavirus infections, typically transmitted through contact with rodents and their bodily fluids.

The situation remains fluid and complex, with ongoing efforts to secure the safety and well-being of all those affected. The dedication of the ship’s doctor, despite contracting the virus, highlights the challenging circumstances faced by medical personnel.

The lack of a confirmed disembarkation point adds to the anxiety of those stranded, as they await news of their fate and the possibility of receiving necessary medical care. International collaboration is crucial in resolving this crisis and preventing further spread of the hantavirus.