The ship m/v Hondius departed from Granadilla bound for Rotterdam

Success of the Spanish operation in Granadilla

UPDATE MAY 11 AT 9:30 PM CET:

Oceanwide Expeditions is pleased to announce that the disembarkation of passengers and a limited number of crew members has been successfully completed in Granadilla, Canary Islands. At 7:00 p.m. local time, the Hondius departed Granadilla and is now en route to Rotterdam, Netherlands. The voyage is estimated to take six days. The tentative arrival date is the afternoon of Sunday, May 17, 2026. All passengers and a limited number of crew members have been transferred from the Hondius to their waiting aircraft.

The total number of people repatriated to their countries of origin and the Netherlands is 122 (35 crew members and 87 passengers). Oceanwide Expeditions thanks the local authorities of the Canary Islands for their support in facilitating this transfer, which was led, supervised, and facilitated by the WHO and international governments. This process, as well as the previous stages of this operation, would not have been possible without the support of the Dutch authorities and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We also wish to express our gratitude to the people of the Canary Islands for their contributions to this joint humanitarian effort, as well as to the Spanish Government for its swift preparations and significant logistical support. Prior to the final transfer of passengers and crew this morning, the Hondius refueled in Granadilla and loaded the necessary supplies before its transit to Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The vessel has 25 crew members on board. In addition, two medical professionals, directed by the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), are accompanying the vessel to provide continuous medical monitoring throughout the voyage. This brings the total number of people currently on board the Hondius to 27. The body of the German passenger who died on board on May 2 remains on the Hondius. This person is not included in the total number. Oceanwide Expeditions will coordinate with the relevant authorities to ensure repatriation upon arrival in the Netherlands.

Current nationalities on board the m/v Hondius:
Philippines 17
Netherlands 4*
Ukraine 4
Russia 1
Poland 1
Total 27

*This number includes two medical professionals provided by the RIVM. At this stage, the exact procedures for our arrival in Rotterdam are still under discussion. We confirm that the m/v Hondius will undergo disinfection upon arrival. Details regarding the ship cleaning protocols are still being finalized in consultation with the RIVM, the WHO, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Rotterdam Port Health Authority, and other relevant bodies.

In addition, all remaining crew members on board will comply with the medical screening and quarantine requirements set by the Dutch authorities. For further information on quarantine measures, please refer to the RIVM website (https://www.rivm.nl/en). Oceanwide Expeditions is in consultation with the RIVM and the WHO to determine if additional safety procedures are required for future expeditions. For more information on our current health and safety protocols, please see: https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/page/health-and-safety-protocol. As communicated yesterday, all passenger baggage remains on board.

We are in direct contact with all passengers, also regarding the return of their luggage upon the arrival of the m/v Hondius in Rotterdam.

UPDATE OF MAY 11 AT 12:30 PM CET:

Message from Jan Dobrogowski, captain of the m/v Hondius. This message was recorded on board the m/v Hondius.

UPDATE OF MAY 10 AT 12:40 PM CET:

Oceanwide Expeditions continues to work with the relevant authorities to finalize the medical situation on board the m/v Hondius.

The ship arrived at the port of Granadilla, Tenerife, on Sunday, May 10, at 6:24 a.m. local time. Under the direction of local authorities, the WHO, and several international governments, the disembarkation of all passengers and a limited number of crew members is underway. This is being carried out using small boats and, if necessary, the Zodiac boat from the m/v Hondius. After disembarkation, all individuals will be immediately transferred to waiting aircraft. The disembarkation sequence is being coordinated with the arrival of repatriation flights.

Oceanwide Expeditions is not involved in the planning or facilitation of health screening and repatriation of passengers. As directed by the WHO, in collaboration with various international organizations and governments, passengers will be transported by air to their respective countries, where they will undergo quarantine procedures. These procedures are determined by the relevant national authorities. Non-Spanish citizens will not be quarantined in Spain.

For any questions related to on-the-ground procedures, please consult the WHO.

After all passengers and the limited crew have disembarked, the Hondius will refuel and take on supplies in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It will then proceed to the port of Rotterdam (Netherlands) with the remaining crew on board. Further details regarding the ship's arrival in Rotterdam will be provided as soon as they become available. The estimated sailing time to Rotterdam is approximately 5 days.

UPDATE MAY 9 AT 11:00 PM CET:

Oceanwide Expeditions continues working to resolve the medical situation on board the m/v Hondius.

For detailed information on the medical status of passengers and crew, both those currently on board the m/v Hondius and those receiving medical care in various countries, we recommend consulting the WHO website: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON600. Below, you will find a statement from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General: https://www.who.int/news/item/09-05-2026-message-by-the-who-director-general-to-the-people-of-tenerife-regarding-the-hantavirus-response. (Translation below).

The ship is scheduled to arrive at the port of Granadilla, Tenerife, on Sunday, May 10, at 5:30 a.m. local time. All passengers and a limited number of crew members are expected to begin disembarking the m/v Hondius in controlled groups in Granadilla at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time. Once disembarked, they will be immediately transferred to their assigned aircraft.

Oceanwide Expeditions is not involved in the planning or facilitation of health screening and repatriation of passengers. As directed by the WHO, in collaboration with various international organizations and governments, passengers will be transported by air to their respective countries, where they will undergo quarantine procedures. These procedures are determined by the relevant national authorities. Non-Spanish citizens will not be quarantined in Spain.

Disembarkation will be conducted using Zodiac boats from the m/v Hondius or private landing craft, with a maximum of 5 passengers per Zodiac or 10 passengers per landing craft, in accordance with established health protocols. The disembarkation sequence will be coordinated with arriving repatriation flights. All passengers' luggage will remain on board the m/v Hondius. Oceanwide Expeditions is in contact with all guests regarding the process for the safe return of their luggage.

After the guest and limited crew have disembarked, the m/v Hondius will refuel and take on necessary supplies in Santa Cruz, Tenerife. The vessel will then proceed to the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, with the remaining crew members on board. Further details regarding the vessel's arrival in Rotterdam will be provided when available. The estimated sailing time to Rotterdam is approximately 5 days.

For all inquiries related to land-based processes, please refer to the WHO.

We would like to confirm the following list of nationalities who were on board the m/v Hondius in April. Of the 114 guests who departed Ushuaia, Argentina on the m/v Hondius on April 1, there were guests who had previously traveled on the m/v Hondius from March 20 to 31 (Ushuaia-Antarctica-Ushuaia): one Greek citizen and two Dutch citizens. None of these three individuals have developed symptoms.

MESSAGE FROM THE WHO DIRECTOR-GENERAL TO THE PEOPLE OF TENERIFE ON THE HANTAVIRUS RESPONSE:
To the people of Tenerife:

My name is Tedros, and I am the Director-General of the World Health Organization, the United Nations agency responsible for global public health. I don't usually write directly to people in a community, but today I feel it is not only appropriate, but necessary.
I want to speak to you directly, not through press releases or technical briefings, but person to person, because you deserve it.
I know you are worried. I know that when you hear the word "outbreak" and see a ship sailing toward your shores, memories resurface that none of us have fully overcome. The pain of 2020 is still fresh, and I do not ignore it for a moment.
But I need you to hear me clearly: this is not another COVID. The current public health risk from hantavirus remains low. My colleagues and I have stated this unequivocally, and I reiterate it now.
The virus on board the MV Hondius is the Andean strain of hantavirus. It is serious. Three people have lost their lives, and we share in their grief. The risk to you, who live your daily lives in Tenerife, is low. This is the WHO's assessment, and we don't take it lightly.
At this time, there are no symptomatic passengers on board. A WHO expert is on the ship. Medical supplies are available. The Spanish authorities have prepared a meticulous, phased plan: passengers will be taken ashore at the industrial port of Granadilla, away from residential areas, in sealed and guarded vehicles, through a completely cordoned-off corridor, and repatriated directly to their countries of origin. You will have no contact with them. Neither will your families.
I also want to say something else, something that goes beyond science.
I personally thanked the Prime Minister, Sánchez, for Spain's decision to receive this ship. I described it as an act of solidarity and a moral obligation. Because that is what it is. I want you to know that the WHO's request to Spain was not arbitrary. It was carried out in full compliance with the International Health Regulations, the legally binding framework that defines the rights and obligations of countries and the WHO when responding to public health emergencies of international concern. According to these regulations, the nearest port with sufficient medical capacity to ensure the safety and dignity of those on board must be identified. Tenerife met this requirement. Spain respected it. Nearly 150 people from 23 countries have been at sea for weeks, some of them grieving, all of them frightened, all of them longing to return home. Tenerife was chosen because it has the medical capacity, infrastructure, and humanity needed to help them reach safety.
And because I firmly believe in this, I will be there personally. I intend to travel to Tenerife to observe this operation firsthand, to stand with the medical staff, port personnel, and officials who make it possible, and to pay personal tribute to an island that has responded to a difficult situation with grace, solidarity, and compassion. Its humanity deserves to be recognized, not just observed from afar.
As I have said many times: viruses don't care about politics or borders. The best immunity we can have is solidarity.
Tenerife is demonstrating that solidarity today. The ship's captain, Jan Dobrogowski, the crew, and the operating company have shown exemplary cooperation during these difficult times. On behalf of the World Health Organization, and on behalf of the passengers and their families worldwide, I thank the people of Tenerife and everyone involved.
Please take care of yourselves and each other. Have faith in the preparedness measures that have been taken. And know that the WHO is with you and with every person on board the ship, every step of the way.

With respect, affection, and gratitude,
Tedros

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,
Director-General, World Health Organization

UPDATE MAY 9 AT 13.30 CET:

Oceanwide Expeditions continues working to finalize the medical situation on board the m/v Hondius.

The three people transferred by air ambulance from the m/v Hondius to the Netherlands on May 6 remain under the care and evaluation of medical professionals. Further information is available from the WHO and other relevant authorities. We refer to the WHO statement and press conference issued on May 7: https://www.who.int/news/item/07-05-2026-who-s-response-to-hantavirus-cases-linked-to-a-cruise-ship

Oceanwide Expeditions appreciates the continued investigation by authorities and experts into the possible source of this hantavirus cluster. We are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. We also thank all parties involved for the successful air ambulance transfer of the three individuals on May 6.

There are no symptomatic individuals present on board the m/v Hondius. Guests and crew continue to follow the instructions of the onboard medical staff, and medical monitoring continues. This is being led by the four medical staff members who boarded the vessel before its departure from Cape Verde on May 6. The atmosphere onboard remains positive.

Following the directives of the relevant authorities, the m/v Hondius is provisionally expected to arrive at the port of Granadilla, Tenerife, in the early hours of Sunday, May 10. Preparations regarding our arrival, quarantine and screening procedures for all passengers, and onward travel arrangements for all passengers and crew are being led by organizations from several countries, including the WHO, the RIVM, and the Dutch authorities, in close cooperation with the Spanish government.

All passengers and a limited number of crew members from the m/v Hondius are expected to disembark in Granadilla. Following disembarkation, arrangements are being made, guided by the WHO, the RIVM, and the Dutch authorities, for the m/v Hondius to transit to the Netherlands.

We refer all inquiries regarding the disembarkation process for passengers and potential screening procedures to the WHO and relevant parties, including consular representatives of the nationalities on board. Oceanwide Expeditions is not involved in the planning or management of health screenings or passenger repatriation.

The passenger nationality list published on May 8 at 7:00 PM CET has been corrected: a Congolese national was incorrectly listed as Dutch. This individual is a member of the medical staff who boarded on May 6. For administrative purposes, all medical staff are listed as passengers, not crew.

UPDATE MAY 8 AT 7:00 PM CET:

Oceanwide Expeditions continues to respond to the medical situation developing on board the m/v Hondius.

The three people transferred by air ambulance from the m/v Hondius to the Netherlands on May 6 remain under the care and supervision of medical professionals. There are no symptomatic individuals on board. The situation on board the m/v Hondius remains calm, and passengers and crew are following protocols, now under the guidance of the medical team. For further information, please consult the WHO and other relevant authorities.

Following the guidelines of the relevant authorities, it is provisionally estimated that the m/v Hondius will arrive at the port of Granadilla, Tenerife, in the early hours of Sunday, May 10. This date is subject to change. Preparations regarding our arrival, quarantine and screening procedures for all passengers, and onward travel arrangements for all affected passengers and crew are being led by organizations from several countries, including the WHO, the RIVM, and the Dutch authorities, in close cooperation with the Spanish government authorities.

Following the disembarkation or evacuation of passengers on board the m/v Hondius, Oceanwide Expeditions does not participate in the planning and facilitation of subsequent medical tests, check-ups, and travel.

Oceanwide Expeditions wishes to provide further details regarding the itinerary and passenger disembarkation in St. Helena on April 24. The itinerary for the m/v Hondius is the Atlantic Odyssey voyage, which departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 and was scheduled to conclude in Praia do Cabo Verde on May 4. This voyage can be booked in several ways. Passengers can choose to travel with the ship from Ushuaia and disembark in St. Helena. Alternatively, they can remain on board and continue on to Cabo Verde.

(*) Disembarkation on April 24 of 32 passengers, an adjusted figure from the 30 we previously reported, including the Dutch citizen who died on April 11 and the Dutch citizen who accompanied the body and subsequently died during his journey back home on April 26.

(**) 1 symptomatic British citizen, 1 asymptomatic US citizen (patient's partner).

(***) On May 2, a guest passed away on board. This person is not included in the current final figures on board.

(****) On May 6, three people (1 Dutch passenger, 1 German passenger, and 1 British crew member) were transferred by air ambulance from the m/v Hondius to the Netherlands. Two are listed as guests and one as a crew member. On the same day, four medical staff members (listed as guests: 1 Italian and 3 Dutch) boarded the ship. Image: Map of the Atlantic Odyssey's itinerary.

Image: Map of the Atlantic Odyssey itinerary.

NATIONALITIES OF THE CREW ON BOARD

NATIONALITIES OF GUESTS ON BOARD

* Does not include the person who died on May 2nd.

The above number of guests includes four members of the medical staff.

Staff maintain close cooperation with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

UPDATE MAY 7 AT 5:15 PM CET:

Oceanwide Expeditions continues to manage a medical situation on board the Hondius vessel.

The three people transferred yesterday for medical reasons remain under medical care. The ship continues its voyage to the Canary Islands, specifically to the port of Granadilla (Tenerife).

There are no people with symptoms on board. Medical personnel, under the direction and supervision of the RIVM, the WHO, and the Dutch government, remain on board the Hondius and are monitoring the medical situation during the voyage to the Canary Islands.

The Hondius is tentatively scheduled to arrive at the port of Granadilla, Tenerife, in the early hours of Sunday, May 10. This date is subject to change. Oceanwide Expeditions is in constant communication with the relevant authorities regarding our exact arrival point, quarantine and health screening procedures for all passengers, and a precise timeline.

Following the disembarkation or evacuation of passengers aboard the m/v Hondius, Oceanwide Expeditions is not involved in any medical tests, health checks, or subsequent transfers. In addition to the list of nationalities of passengers who disembarked the vessel in St. Helena on April 24, provided earlier today, we wish to provide the following information:
– On April 1, 2026, 114 passengers were aboard the m/v Hondius when it departed Ushuaia, Argentina.
– On April 15, six more passengers joined the m/v Hondius in Tristan da Cunha, located between Ushuaia, Argentina, and St. Helena. This brought the total number of passengers aboard to 120. At that time, one passenger had passed away and is included in this figure.
– Four of these individuals who joined the m/v Hondius in Tristan da Cunha were on the vessel's original passenger list. They are British nationals. Two were unforeseen additions. Currently, it is believed that their nationality is Chilean.
– A discrepancy has been detected in the passenger figures for those who departed from Ushuaia and disembarked in Santa Elena on April 24. A total of 120 passengers were aboard the m/v Hondius upon its arrival in Santa Elena. Of these, 30 disembarked on April 24, 2026. This figure includes the person who died aboard the m/v Hondius on April 11.

Close collaboration is maintained with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, the relevant embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

UPDATE MAY 7 AT 11:30 AM CET:

Oceanwide Expeditions continues to manage the medical situation on board the m/v Hondius.

The second of the two medicalized aircraft, carrying one of the three people transferred from the m/v Hondius yesterday (May 6), has landed in the Netherlands. Specialized medical and assessment teams have received the person on board. All three people, two with symptoms and one asymptomatic, are now under medical care.

We continue to monitor the progress of the m/v Hondius, which departed Cape Verde at 7:15 p.m. CET yesterday (May 6) and is sailing towards the Canary Islands, specifically the port of Granadilla (Tenerife). The voyage is expected to take between 3 and 4 days. There are no individuals with symptoms on board. Oceanwide Expeditions is maintaining close and continuous contact with the relevant authorities regarding our exact arrival point, quarantine and screening procedures for all passengers, and a precise timeline.

Oceanwide Expeditions confirms that 114 passengers embarked on the m/v Hondius on April 1, 2026. Thirty passengers disembarked the Hondius in St. Helena on April 24, 2026. This number includes the body of the passenger who died on board the vessel on April 11, 2026. The first confirmed case of hantavirus was not reported until May 4, 2026. Oceanwide Expeditions has contacted all of these passengers. We are working to obtain detailed information from all passengers and crew who embarked and disembarked at the various ports of call of the Hondius since March 20.

Nationalities of the 30 passengers who disembarked in ST HELENA on April 24, 2026.

Close cooperation is maintained with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

UPDATE MAY 6 AT 10:45 PM CET:

Oceanwide Expeditions continues to manage an ongoing medical situation on board the m/v Hondius.

Oceanwide Expeditions can confirm that the first of the two medical transport aircraft, carrying two of the three people transferred from the m/v Hondius earlier today, has landed in the Netherlands. The two people on board have been met by specialized medical and assessment teams. The second medical transport aircraft carrying the third person is currently experiencing a delay. The person on board this aircraft remains in stable condition. We will provide an update on the arrival of this second aircraft as soon as possible.

Oceanwide Expeditions can confirm that the m/v Hondius departed Cape Verde at 7:15 p.m. CET and is now heading north. According to the current plan, the m/v Hondius will sail to the Canary Islands. This is expected to take 3 to 4 days. Three additional medical professionals have embarked on the Hondius to provide optimal medical care during the voyage.

Oceanwide Expeditions is in constant communication with the relevant authorities regarding our exact arrival point, quarantine and health screening procedures for all passengers, and a precise timeline. At this time, we cannot confirm details of passengers' onward travel. This depends on medical advice and the outcome of rigorous health screening procedures. We are working closely with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

UPDATE MAY 6 AT 2:45 PM CET:

We can confirm that the three individuals previously listed as awaiting medical transfer have successfully disembarked from the m/v Hondius and are now being flown to facilities that can provide specialized care and appropriate medical examinations. Two of the individuals remain in serious condition. The third, although currently asymptomatic, was in close contact with the individual who died on board on May 2, 2026. The two symptomatic individuals have not tested positive for hantavirus to date.

In collaboration with the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment of the Netherlands), Oceanwide Expeditions is expanding its onboard medical care with two infectious disease specialists, who are arriving today by plane from the Netherlands. This ensures that optimal medical care can be provided, if needed, during the next phase of this evolving situation.

At this stage, the planned destination for the m/v Hondius is the Canary Islands. Oceanwide Expeditions is in close and ongoing communication with the relevant authorities regarding the exact point of arrival, quarantine and screening procedures for all passengers, and a precise timeline. At this time, we cannot confirm details of the passengers' onward journey. This depends on medical advice and the results of rigorous screening procedures. We are maintaining close collaboration with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has confirmed that a passenger who traveled on the first leg of the trip (from Ushuaia to Santa Elena, from April 1 to 24, 2026) tested positive for hantavirus and is currently receiving treatment at the University Hospital of Zurich. His wife, who was traveling with him, has not shown any symptoms but is in self-isolation as a precaution. Oceanwide Expeditions is in contact with the relevant authorities regarding this incident. Oceanwide Expeditions has contacted all passengers who were on this trip.

This brings the total number of confirmed hantavirus cases associated with this trip to three.
– On April 26, after their scheduled disembarkation, a passenger died during their return journey home. A variant of hantavirus has been identified in this patient.
– On April 27, a passenger became seriously ill and was evacuated to South Africa. They are currently in intensive care in Johannesburg, in critical but stable condition. This passenger is a British national. A variant of hantavirus has been detected in them.
– On May 6, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) confirmed that a passenger who traveled on the first leg of the trip tested positive for hantavirus and is receiving treatment at the University Hospital of Zurich.

UPDATE MAY 6 AT 11:00 AM CET:

Oceanwide Expeditions continues to respond to an ongoing medical situation aboard the m/v Hondius. The ship remains anchored off Cape Verde.

The planned transfer of three individuals from the ship to specialized aircraft has not yet taken place. This is scheduled for this morning, local time in Cape Verde. Once on board the aircraft, these individuals, two of whom are exhibiting acute symptoms, will be transferred to medical and screening facilities. The third individual is closely associated with the guest who died aboard the m/v Hondius on May 2, 2026. Exact details will be shared once this planned transfer has been completed.

Following the advice of the RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), two infectious disease physicians, currently en route from the Netherlands, will board the m/v Hondius and remain with the vessel after its scheduled departure from Cape Verde, provided the three individuals are successfully transferred. An additional medical professional is already on board the m/v Hondius.

At this stage, the planned destination for m/v Hondius following the successful medical transfer is the Canary Islands. Oceanwide Expeditions remains in close and ongoing discussions with the relevant authorities regarding our exact arrival point, quarantine and screening procedures for all guests, and a precise timeline. We cannot confirm guest travel details at this stage. This is contingent upon medical advice and the outcome of rigorous screening procedures. Close cooperation continues with local and international authorities, including the WHO, RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

UPDATE MAY 5 AT 7:15 PM CET:

In addition to our update of May 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM CET, we confirm the following: The medical evacuation of two individuals requiring urgent medical attention, as well as the individual related to the passenger who died on May 2, will be carried out using two specialized aircraft bound for Cape Verde. From there, the patients will be evacuated to the Netherlands. At this time, we do not have an exact timeline.

Once these three people have been safely transferred from the ship and are en route to the Netherlands, the m/v Hondius will begin its repositioning. Our plan is to head to the Canary Islands, specifically Gran Canaria or Tenerife, which will take three days to sail. We are in discussions with the relevant authorities. We will share this information when we have concrete plans.

To ensure the accuracy and consistency of information shared externally, Oceanwide Expeditions currently communicates only through written updates.

UPDATE MAY 5 AT 5:00 PM CET:
In addition to previous communications regarding the background and timeline of the medical situation on board the m/v Hondius, the most recent information is as follows:
The vessel remains off the coast of Cape Verde.

Discussions are underway with the relevant authorities regarding the next steps for the m/v Hondius, including possible disembarkation and relocation.

Two crew members on board still require urgent medical attention.

The causes of the illness and any possible connection between the cases are being investigated.

So far, no new symptomatic cases have been identified on board, apart from those already reported.

Preparations are underway for the medical evacuation of those currently requiring urgent medical attention, in close coordination with the relevant authorities. Regarding the possible source of the hantavirus, we refer to the comments of WHO Director-General Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove and UN spokespeople ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w__lSqhmzU), who state that while hantavirus is generally transmitted to humans through rodents (feces/urine), the WHO is investigating possible human-to-human transmission on the ship. According to Van Kerkhove, it is suspected that the first infected person likely contracted the virus before boarding. To ensure that information shared externally remains accurate and consistent, Oceanwide Expeditions is currently only communicating through written updates.

UPDATE MAY 4 AT 4:00 PM CET:
Oceanwide Expeditions continues to manage a serious medical situation on board the m/v Hondius, which is currently off the coast of Cape Verde.

A brief timeline of the medical situation on board the m/v Hondius is as follows:
On April 11, a passenger died on board. The cause of death could not be determined on the ship. On April 24, this passenger was disembarked at St. Helena, accompanied by his wife, for repatriation.
On April 27, Oceanwide Expeditions was informed that the wife had fallen ill during the return voyage and subsequently passed away. Both passengers were Dutch nationals. At this time, it has not been confirmed whether these two deaths are related to the ongoing medical situation on board.
On April 27, another passenger became seriously ill and was medically evacuated to South Africa. He is currently being treated in the intensive care unit in Johannesburg and is in critical but stable condition. This passenger is a British national. A variant of hantavirus has been identified in this patient.
On May 2, another passenger on board died. The cause has not yet been determined. This passenger was a German national.

In addition, there are currently two crew members on board with acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe. Both require urgent medical attention. These crew members are British and Dutch nationals. At this time, no other individuals with symptoms have been identified.

Hantavirus has not been confirmed in the two people who remain on board and require medical attention. It has also not been established that the virus is related to the three deaths associated with this voyage. The exact cause and any possible links are under investigation. Therefore, the only confirmed case of hantavirus is that of the passenger who was medically evacuated and is being treated in Johannesburg.

The vessel remains off the coast of Cape Verde. There are 149 people on board, of 23 different nationalities. Disembarkation of passengers, medical evacuation, and health checks require authorization and coordination with local health authorities. Local authorities have visited the vessel and assessed the situation. The medical evacuation of the two sick people on board has not yet taken place.

Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Simultaneously, preparations are underway for potential medical repatriations and next steps. Sailing to Las Palmas or Tenerife as disembarkation points is being considered, where further medical checks and procedures could be carried out.

Strict precautionary measures are in place on board, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols, and medical monitoring. All passengers have been informed and are receiving support.

Oceanwide Expeditions is maintaining close contact with those directly affected and their families, and is providing support to the extent possible.

We understand the considerable interest and concern, and we will share new information as soon as it is verified.

The nationalities of passengers and crew are as follows:

(*) includes 1 death

Oceanwide Expeditions is currently managing a serious medical situation aboard the m/v Hondius, located off the coast of Cape Verde. During this voyage, three passengers have died. In addition, one passenger is receiving intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members require urgent medical attention.

As of 23:00 CET on May 3, 2026, the Cape Verdean authorities have not authorized the disembarkation of passengers requiring medical attention nor have they provided support for medical evaluations. Local health authorities have visited the vessel to assess the condition of the two symptomatic individuals. They have not yet made a decision regarding the transfer of these individuals to Cape Verde for medical treatment. Oceanwide Expeditions' priority is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive appropriate and urgent medical care.

Dutch authorities have agreed to lead a joint effort to repatriate the two symptomatic individuals aboard the m/v Hondius from Cape Verde to the Netherlands. The body of the deceased individual is also expected to be included in this repatriation, along with a passenger closely related to the deceased. This individual is not exhibiting symptoms. This repatriation is contingent upon several factors, including the authorization and support of local health authorities in Cape Verde for the transfer of individuals requiring medical attention from the m/v Hondius.

We are in close contact with the people directly affected and their families, and are providing support to the extent possible.

The health and safety of all passengers and crew is our top priority. Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Disembarkation and medical assessment of all passengers require coordination with local health authorities, and we are in constant consultation with them.

We are currently gathering all the information and working on appropriate medical care, assessments, and next steps. We will provide another update as soon as more information becomes available.

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