MV Hondius, carrying more than 140 passengers and crew members, had spent several days at sea following the detection of the virus that left three people dead. Governments are urgently implementing evacuation and quarantine plans for their citizens.
The US and the UK have sent aircraft to repatriate their citizens, while the Netherlands, the vessel’s flag state, is coordinating with Spain to prepare reception and medical monitoring plans for Dutch passengers and several other foreign nationals.
Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived on Tenerife Island to work with Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska on reception and evacuation plans. Yes, on May 9-10, 2026, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivered a direct message to the residents of Tenerife, emphasizing that the public health risk from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius remains low.
Spanish authorities said the MV Hondius did not dock directly at the port but remained anchored offshore, with passengers transported to land by small boats. Those disembarking were allowed to bring only essential belongings and will undergo medical quarantine.
