Unprecedented operation in Tenerife: Evacuation of cruise ship MV Hondius passengers after hantavirus outbreak

The cruise ship MV Hondius arrived at the island of Tenerife nearly a month after the first recorded passenger death from hantavirus on board. Spanish authorities have declared a state of high alert and launched a large-scale evacuation and medical control operation for everyone on the vessel.

The ship arrived at the port of Granadilla, but it is forbidden from approaching the shore closer than one nautical mile. The liner will remain at anchor at sea, where a strict isolation regime will be maintained until all procedures are completed.

The evacuation plan involves the sequential delivery of more than 100 passengers to shore following medical testing. Spanish health services will check everyone for symptoms, after which people will be transported by small vessels to land and then by bus to the airport for repatriation.

Spanish citizens will be the first to be sent home, followed by passengers from other countries. In total, more than 350 security personnel, including the Civil Guard and police, are involved in the operation to ensure control and escort the process.

About 30 crew members will remain on board the vessel and will be sent to the Netherlands, where the liner will undergo full disinfection. Spanish authorities call the operation "unprecedented" and emphasize the participation of 23 countries in coordinating actions.

Security measures at the port of Tenerife have been tightened, and the evacuation process is organized to minimize any risks of spreading the virus. Regional authorities state that the operation will continue until the complete evacuation of all passengers and stabilization of the situation.