The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the evacuation of three people from the Hantavirus-Hit Dutch cruise ship Hondius in Cape Verde is ongoing.
WHO Cape Verde Representative Ann Lindstrand said two sick crew members and one other individual were being evacuated, noting their condition remained stable.
“The three of them are stable, and one of the three is asymptomatic,”
The vessel’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said on Tuesday that the affected individuals—two seriously ill crew members, one British and one Dutch, along with a passenger—would be flown to the Netherlands for treatment.
Following the evacuation, the company said the ship would continue its journey.
“Our plan is to proceed to the Canary Islands, either Gran Canaria or Tenerife, which will take three days of sailing,”
The operator added:
“Discussions are ongoing with relevant authorities.”
However, President of the Canary Islands Fernando Clavijo has strongly opposed plans to allow the vessel to dock, citing concerns over a hantavirus outbreak onboard.
In an interview with Onda Cero radio, Clavijo said:
“I can not allow [the boat] to enter the Canaries,”
He criticised the Spanish government’s decision, adding:
“This decision is not based on any technical criteria and nor have we been given enough information.”
Clavijo, currently in Brussels, said he would seek an urgent meeting with Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez in Madrid to address the issue.
The Hondius is expected to reach the Canary Islands within the next few days, as tensions grow over its proposed docking.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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