Details
The MV Hondius anchored off the port of Granadilla de Abona in Tenerife on Sunday after more than a month at sea.
The ship has been linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak that has killed three passengers since April 11. The World Health Organization said six infections have been confirmed, while others have shown symptoms.
All 147 passengers and crew arriving in Tenerife were asymptomatic, according to Oceanwide Expeditions, the cruise operator.
Passengers are being ferried to shore in small boats before being taken to charter flights by nationality. Spanish nationals are expected to be flown to Madrid for mandatory quarantine at a military hospital.
Health officials said the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, the only strain known to spread between people. Even so, the WHO and Spanish officials have said the risk to the wider public remains low.
Spain has set up strict controls around the operation, including a security perimeter, medical screening and hospital readiness measures. Intensive care specialists are also on standby in Tenerife in case anyone becomes seriously ill during the transfer.
The World Health Organisation has recommended active monitoring and follow-up for all passengers and crew for 42 days after disembarkation.
Once most passengers have left, around 30 crew members will remain onboard to sail the MV Hondius to the Netherlands, where the ship is expected to be disinfected.
What Else
The evacuation is now a test of Spain’s containment plan as health officials in several countries trace people who may have been exposed to the virus.
Authorities are also trying to calm public concern in Tenerife after local protests and political tension over the ship’s arrival. The next phase will focus on repatriation, quarantine and monitoring passengers for any symptoms in the weeks ahead.
