‘Hanta’ virus scare deepens: Spain to evacuate over 90 passengers from stranded cruise vessel

Rashmi Pandey — Sun, 10 May 2026 17:21:25 +0000

Spanish authorities on Sunday intensified emergency health operations surrounding the Dutch-flagged expedition vessel MV Hondius, with officials confirming that more than 90 people would be evacuated from the ship by the end of the day following concerns linked to a suspected Hantavirus outbreak onboard.

The announcement was made by Spanish officials overseeing the operation near the Canary Islands, where the vessel had anchored after health concerns emerged during the voyage. The evacuation is being carried out under protocols established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Spanish public health authorities.

The MV Hondius, carrying around 150 passengers and crew members, became the focus of international attention after reports of a possible Hantavirus-related health alert onboard triggered containment and monitoring measures. Spanish emergency services, health agencies and maritime authorities have since coordinated a large-scale response operation.

Earlier, the Embassy of India in Madrid confirmed that two Indian nationals working as crew members aboard the ship were healthy and asymptomatic. According to the Embassy, the two Indians were evacuated to the Netherlands, where they will undergo quarantine in accordance with international health safety protocols.

Spanish authorities have not yet disclosed the total number of confirmed infections linked to the outbreak or whether any passengers have tested positive for the virus. However, officials stated that precautionary evacuations and medical screenings were being conducted to prevent any potential spread.

The vessel’s passengers reportedly began disembarking in phases after the ship anchored off the Canary Islands coast. Health teams equipped with protective gear were deployed during the evacuation process, while passengers were transferred under controlled medical supervision.

Hantavirus is a rare viral disease generally transmitted through contact with infected rodents, rodent urine or droppings. According to global health agencies, symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, fatigue and respiratory complications in severe cases. While human-to-human transmission is uncommon in most forms of the virus, authorities often implement strict quarantine measures in suspected outbreak situations.

The incident has raised concerns across European maritime and health authorities, especially as global monitoring of infectious diseases remains heightened after previous international health emergencies.

Spanish officials said coordination with Dutch authorities and international health agencies is continuing as evacuated passengers and crew members are transported for quarantine, observation and further medical assessment.

The Indian Embassy in Madrid stated that it remains in regular contact with Spanish authorities and the Indian nationals involved, adding that officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure their safety and well-being.

Authorities have not announced any wider public health threat related to the incident so far, but investigations into the suspected outbreak aboard the MV Hondius are continuing.

HealthEmergency | Business Upturn

‘Hanta’ virus scare deepens: Spain to evacuate over 90 passengers from stranded cruise vessel