The Embassy of India in Madrid on Sunday confirmed that two Indian nationals aboard the Hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius are safe and asymptomatic.
Table of Contents
The Dutch-flagged vessel MV Hondius, carrying around 150 individuals including two Indian nationals, arrived in Spain on Sunday.
The ship anchored off the coast of the Canary Islands following a confirmed Hantavirus outbreak onboard.
Passengers Disembarked Under WHO and Spanish Protocols
According to the Embassy, passengers onboard the MV Hondius disembarked in line with protocols established by the World Health Organization and Spanish authorities.
The Embassy stated that the two Indian nationals are healthy and showing no symptoms.
The Spanish National Centre for Emergency Monitoring and Coordination (CENEM) informed the Embassy that the two Indian nationals, who were working as crew members, have been evacuated to the Netherlands for quarantine as part of health safety procedures.
Indian Ambassador Monitoring Situation Closely
The Embassy said the Indian Ambassador is in regular contact with Spanish authorities and the two Indian crew members.
Officials are continuously monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian nationals.
First Evacuation Flight Leaves Canary Islands
The first aircraft carrying Spanish passengers evacuated from the Hantavirus-hit MV Hondius departed from the Canary Islands for Madrid on Sunday.
WHO Monitoring Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship
On May 4, the World Health Organization announced that it was monitoring and supporting the public health incident aboard the vessel after a Hantavirus outbreak was confirmed.
The outbreak reportedly resulted in:
- Three deaths
- Multiple suspected infections
The outbreak occurred aboard the MV Hondius, a polar cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions.
Details of MV Hondius Voyage
According to the ship’s published itinerary:
- MV Hondius departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on March 20
- The voyage was expected to conclude in Cape Verde on May 4
The vessel is a 107.6-metre (353 ft) expedition cruise ship designed to carry:
- Up to 170 passengers in 80 cabins
- 57 crew members
- 13 guides
- One onboard doctor
The Embassy of India in Madrid has confirmed that the two Indian crew members aboard the Hantavirus-hit MV Hondius are safe and asymptomatic. The ship, which was linked to a Hantavirus outbreak that reportedly caused three deaths and several suspected infections, anchored near the Canary Islands. The Indian nationals have been evacuated to the Netherlands for quarantine while authorities continue monitoring the situation.
Follow MunsifNews24x7 for latest updates.
