SouthernWorldwide.com – A passenger aboard a cruise ship where three individuals have tragically passed away has shared their experiences, detailing the pervasive fear and uncertainty that grips those on board. The vessel is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde as investigations continue into the suspected hantavirus outbreak.
“We are currently on the m/v Hondius, and what is happening here is very real for all of us,” the passenger stated. “We are not just a story or headlines; we are individuals with families, with lives, and with people eagerly awaiting our return home.”
“The most difficult aspect is the overwhelming uncertainty. Our primary desire right now is to feel secure, to receive clear information, and to return home,” they added. “So, if you are following this news, please remember that there are real people involved, and this is not a distant event. It is happening to us now.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Sunday that one case of hantavirus infection has been verified through laboratory testing. Additionally, five other suspected cases are currently under review. Out of the six individuals affected, three have succumbed to the illness, and one is receiving intensive care in South Africa.
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The ship, identified as the m/v Hondius, remains at anchor off the Cape Verdean coast while authorities work diligently to ascertain if these cases are interconnected and to determine when those requiring medical attention will be permitted to disembark.
Oceanwide Expeditions, the operator of the ship, released a comprehensive timeline on Monday, illustrating the unfolding events over several weeks.
According to the company’s account, a Dutch passenger died on April 11. At that time, the exact cause of death could not be definitively established. This individual was later disembarked on St. Helena Island on April 24.
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On April 27, the cruise line reported that the passenger’s wife, also of Dutch nationality, fell ill during their return journey and subsequently passed away. It has not yet been confirmed whether these fatalities are directly linked to the current situation.
Also on April 27, another passenger experienced a severe illness and was medically evacuated to South Africa, where they remain in intensive care. The cruise line indicated that a variant of hantavirus has been identified in this patient, who is a British national.
A third passenger, who was German, died on May 2. However, the cause of this death has not yet been determined.
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Two crew members on board – one British and one Dutch – are also exhibiting acute respiratory symptoms and require urgent medical assistance, the company stated.
Currently, hantavirus has not been confirmed in the two individuals still on board who require medical treatment, and officials have not yet established a definitive link between the virus and the three reported deaths.
The ship continues to remain at sea with 149 individuals on board, representing over 20 different nationalities. Medical evacuations and disembarkation procedures are contingent upon the approval of local health authorities.
The company has confirmed it is collaborating closely with both local and international health organizations, including the WHO, as preparations are made for potential medical repatriation and subsequent steps. Authorities are also exploring the possibility of sailing the vessel to Las Palmas or Tenerife, where disembarkation and further medical evaluations could be conducted.
“Stringent precautionary measures are currently being implemented on board, encompassing isolation protocols, enhanced hygiene practices, and ongoing medical monitoring,” the company communicated. “All passengers have been duly informed and are receiving the necessary support.”
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“We are maintaining constant communication with those directly affected and their families, and are extending all possible assistance,” the company further assured.
