Spain Prepares for 'Isolated' Evacuation of Hantavirus-Hit Cruise Ship Passengers

Spanish authorities are preparing an 'isolated' evacuation operation for passengers aboard the hantavirus-hit cruise ship, MV Hondius. Passengers will be moved to a cordoned-off area at Tenerife airport for onward flights.

Fri May 08 2026

MV Hondius Heads for Tenerife in the Canary Islands

The MV Hondius cruise ship, affected by hantavirus, is currently en route to Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. Virginia Barcones, Spain's head of emergency services, stated that Spanish authorities are working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission (EC) to ensure the 'isolated' evacuation of passengers. This proactive measure aims to prevent further spread of the virus.

'Isolated' Evacuation and Movement Plan for Passengers

According to Barcones, upon the ship's arrival, passengers will disembark into a completely isolated and cordoned-off area. They will then board isolated and guarded vehicles to proceed to a specially designated, completely cordoned-off section of the airport. From there, passengers will board aircraft and depart. Barcones emphasized that absolutely no contact will be possible at any time, reassuring the residents of the Canary Islands about the stringent measures being taken.

*Source: YouTube: Reuters (2026-05-08)*

Tags: #Hantavirus #CruiseShip #Spain #Tenerife #Evacuation