A suspected hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has claimed three lives, leaving passengers stranded off Cape Verde’s coast as authorities refuse to allow sick travelers to disembark. The vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, carries 149 passengers and crew from 23 nationalities after departing Ushuaia, Argentina, three weeks ago.
Passenger’s Emotional Appeal
US travel blogger Jake Rosmarin, speaking from his cabin aboard the ship, shared a tearful video plea with his 44,000 Instagram followers. “I am currently on board the MV Hondius, and what’s happening right now is very real for all of us here,” he said. “We’re not just a story, we’re not just headlines, we’re people. People with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home.”
Overcome with fear, Rosmarin added, “There’s a lot of uncertainty, and that’s the hardest part. All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity, and to get home.” He urged viewers to offer kindness and understanding to those affected.
Outbreak Timeline and Victims
The first fatality occurred on April 11 when a 70-year-old Dutch man died aboard the ship, cause undetermined. His 69-year-old wife fell ill during repatriation via St. Helena and passed away on April 27. A German passenger died on May 2.
A 69-year-old British passenger was airlifted to Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 27 and remains in intensive care with confirmed hantavirus. Two crew members—one British and one Dutch—now show acute respiratory symptoms, requiring urgent care. Symptoms may take two to eight weeks to appear, raising fears of more cases.
Ship Anchored Amid Standoff
Ship-tracking data shows the MV Hondius anchored off Praia, Cape Verde’s capital, for over 24 hours. Cape Verde’s Public Health Institute president insists the ship continue its route to safeguard locals, denying disembarkation requests.
Dutch authorities, as the flag state, lead repatriation efforts for symptomatic individuals. Oceanwide Expeditions confirms no authorization for medical evacuations yet, despite visits from local health officials.
Company and International Response
Oceanwide Expeditions collaborates with the WHO, RIVM, embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Preparations advance for potential medical repatriation or rerouting to Las Palmas or Tenerife for screening. Onboard measures include isolation, hygiene protocols, and monitoring.
A letter to passengers states the company awaits approval to disembark those needing care, urging masks, distancing, and limited contact. The UK Foreign Office monitors the situation and stands ready to assist British nationals, including 19 passengers and four crew.
Hantavirus Facts
Hantaviruses spread via rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, causing flu-like symptoms escalating to severe respiratory distress. Early signs include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Fatality reaches 40% in severe cases, per CDC data, with rare human-to-human transmission.
Laboratory tests and epidemiological probes continue, with medical support for all aboard. This marks the fourth cruise outbreak this year, following a 2025 peak.
A Turkish passenger posted online that a friend’s condition in South Africa improves, hoping to reach the Canary Islands safely. Epidemiologist Michael Baker emphasizes rapid evacuation to intensive care for better survival odds.
