A passenger on the MV Hondius has raised alarms about the cruise ship's response to a hantavirus outbreak after three passengers died. Ruhi Cenet, a Turkish travel vlogger, criticized the crew for not taking the situation seriously.
The tragedy began on April 12, when the ship's captain announced the death of a 70-year-old Dutch man, attributing it to natural causes. Cenet recalled that the crew dismissed the possibility of a contagious disease.
In a video, the captain stated, 'I am told by the doctor that we are not infectious.' However, the ship's doctor later fell seriously ill, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Passengers in Danger
Cenet reported that life continued as normal on the ship after the announcement, with passengers mingling and dining together without masks. He and his cameraman chose to self-isolate, sensing the potential danger.
The World Health Organization confirmed that at least five other passengers were likely infected with hantavirus, a rare but serious respiratory illness.
They didn’t take the problem seriously enough.
Ruhi Cenet
Cenet expressed regret over the ship's stop at Tristan da Cunha, fearing that interactions with island residents could lead to a wider outbreak. He stressed the need for proper medical facilities on such cruises.
After disembarking on April 24 in Saint Helena, Cenet and other passengers were not required to quarantine unless symptoms developed. He flew to South Africa, where he encountered the wife of the first victim, who died shortly after.
Currently, the MV Hondius is quarantined off Cape Verde. Cenet's acquaintance on board reported that passengers are now isolated and wearing masks. He emphasized that cruise ships should be better equipped to handle health emergencies.
One doctor wasn’t enough.
Ruhi Cenet
Passengers reportedly paid around $10,000 each for the cruise, raising concerns about the adequacy of health protocols aboard.