Hantavirus-hit cruise passengers to be sent home by plane from Tenerife • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• MV Hondius: The expedition cruise ship currently under quarantine/repatriation protocols.
• Hantavirus: A viral disease transmitted by rodents, which is the primary health concern regarding the ship.
• Repatriation: The process of returning passengers and crew to their home countries.
• Tenerife South International Airport: The designated transit hub for the evacuation process.

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Repatriation Logistics and Process

The evacuation of passengers and crew from the MV Hondius is currently underway following a coordinated medical and logistical operation:

1. Medical Screening: Doctors are currently on board the vessel conducting temperature checks and health assessments of all individuals.
2. Transit: Passengers will be transferred from the ship to the shore via small vessels.
3. Ground Transport: Upon reaching the shore, buses will transport the individuals to Tenerife South International Airport.
4. Air Evacuation: Planes from various nations are stationed at the airport to repatriate the passengers. Health Minister Monica Garcia confirmed that the final flight is scheduled for Monday afternoon, which will transport six passengers to Australia and East Asia.

Conflict and Public Health Concerns

The operation has faced significant political resistance from the President of the Canary Islands. His primary objections include:

• Safety Concerns: The President expressed concerns that the operation was not a "safe venture," specifically citing the potential for rats on the ship to transmit Hantavirus to the local population.
• Official Rebuttal: Health authorities have formally denied these claims. They confirmed that the ship has been inspected for rodents and have reiterated that the risk of transmission to the local population remains "low."

Key Statements

• Monica Garcia (Health Minister): Confirmed the timeline for the final repatriation flight, noting that an Australian plane will depart Monday afternoon to transport six passengers.
• Canary Islands President: Stated his refusal to be "complicit in something that he felt was not a safe venture," highlighting the tension between local governance and national health directives.

Synthesis

The situation involving the MV Hondius represents a complex intersection of international logistics and public health management. While local political leadership has voiced strong opposition based on fears of Hantavirus transmission, national health authorities have proceeded with the repatriation process, citing rigorous inspections and a low risk profile. The operation is expected to conclude by Monday afternoon, successfully returning the remaining passengers to their respective home countries.