Final evacuations from the MV Hondius, a cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak, began on Monday in the Canary Islands after bad weather caused an earlier delay.
Twenty-eight individuals were scheduled to be repatriated from the vessel, which has faced scrutiny after three passengers died due to the rare virus.
Health officials maintain that the hantavirus poses a low risk to global public health and have dismissed fears of a pandemic similar to COVID-19.
On Sunday, a complex evacuation operation successfully transported 94 people of various nationalities from the Dutch-flagged ship.
Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia announced that 26 passengers would remain on board as the ship continues its journey to the Netherlands.
Weather Delays Evacuations
Evacuations were initially postponed due to adverse weather conditions, as confirmed by Garcia's ministry, which stated that the harbor master recommended docking for safety.
The Canary Islands government had previously restricted the ship's entry, allowing it to anchor only offshore for health precautions.
Health Measures in Place
The health ministry emphasized that safety protocols were in effect during evacuations, with medical teams overseeing the process closely.
Authorities reported eight confirmed cases of hantavirus aboard, with investigations ongoing into additional suspected cases.
All measures for prevention and control of transmission have been applied.
Spain's Health Ministry
Ongoing Investigations
Health agencies are tracking potential contacts among passengers who disembarked from the ship, as well as any who may have interacted with them.
A recent report indicated a US national evacuated from the ship exhibited mild symptoms, while another tested positive for the Andes virus.
The MV Hondius had embarked from Argentina on April 1 and was en route to Cape Verde when the outbreak began.
The World Health Organization suggests the initial infection likely occurred prior to the cruise, with subsequent human transmission aboard.
This situation has highlighted the unity and courage of everyone on board.
Captain Jan Dobrogowski