This is the ship that currently has the hantavirus.
Current Situation
The MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is being held off the port of Praia, Cape Verde, after three confirmed deaths and multiple suspected cases of hantavirus among passengers and crew. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed two laboratory‑verified cases and five suspected cases, bringing the total to seven affected individuals.
Cape Verdean authorities have refused to allow the ship to dock, citing protection of the local population. Passengers remain confined to their cabins under strict isolation and hygiene protocols.
Who Has Been Affected
A Dutch couple were the first two fatalities; the husband died onboard, and his wife died after evacuation to South Africa.
A German passenger later died onboard.
A British passenger is in intensive care in Johannesburg.
Two crew members — one British, one Dutch — require urgent medical care.
In total, 149 people from 23 nationalities are aboard, including passengers from the UK, US, Spain, Ireland, and four Canadians.
What Authorities Are Doing
WHO is coordinating a multi‑country response, including lab testing, sequencing, and evacuation logistics.
Dutch authorities are preparing potential medical repatriations, pending Cape Verde’s approval.
South African health officials have treated evacuated passengers and confirmed hantavirus in at least one case.
Risk to the Public
WHO Europe states the risk to the wider public remains low, as hantavirus typically spreads through rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, not easily from person to person.
Conditions Onboard
Passengers are:
Confined to cabins
Under continuous medical monitoring
Awaiting decisions on evacuation and next port clearance
Some passengers have posted emotional updates describing fear, uncertainty, and the desire to return home.
