Over the past few weeks, Oceanwide Expeditions has faced one of the most challenging situations in our company's history.
Above all, this has been and continues to be a human tragedy. Three people have lost their lives. Several others became seriously ill after contracting the virus, and some required urgent medical intervention and evacuation under extremely complex circumstances. At the time of this statement, several affected individuals remain hospitalized, some still in critical condition, while numerous passengers and crew members remain in quarantine and under medical supervision.
Beyond those directly affected, the situation has placed an enormous emotional burden on passengers, crew, expedition staff, families, and friends. Throughout this time, our thoughts have been with them.
From the beginning, our priority was to support those affected, collaborate closely with the authorities and medical experts, and manage the situation responsibly and calmly through three constant priorities: medical response, operational coordination, and transparent communication.
The evidence strongly suggests that the virus was introduced before boarding and did not originate on the ship itself. This conclusion is based on currently available medical and epidemiological information, including guidance from WHO experts and relevant health authorities. Investigations into the exact location where the infection may have occurred are ongoing.
At this time, there is no indication that the source of infection was related to the condition of the vessel or to Oceanwide Expeditions' operations on board. We maintain strict pest control and biosecurity procedures on our ships, including regular inspections and monitoring. These controls were carried out during this voyage, which began on April 1, and no rodents or other pests were detected at any time.
What initially appeared to be an isolated medical situation evolved into a much more serious and complex event, requiring the rapid formation of an international coalition and the full activation of crisis management procedures.
Our response unfolded in three operational phases:
Phase 1: emergency medical stabilization and evacuation operations in Cape Verde.
Phase 2: controlled disembarkation, screening, quarantine, and transition operations in the Canary Islands.
Phase 3: vessel transit to Rotterdam, ship disinfection, crew change, operational restart, resilience, and lessons learned from the situation.
Under the guidance and support of experts from the WHO, the RIVM, local authorities in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, embassies, hospitals, aviation partners, maritime authorities and foreign ministries of multiple countries, medical evacuations, quarantine procedures and disembarkation operations were organized.
Throughout this period, our teams both on board and on land worked continuously to support passengers and crew, coordinate evacuations and logistics, communicate with families and authorities, and ensure that decisions were always made based on verified facts and the advice of medical experts.
From the outset, we made the deliberate decision to communicate only verified information through daily press releases and to avoid speculation. Throughout this situation, we have continued to rely on the guidance of medical experts and authorities for assessment and decision-making.
In very difficult and emotionally intense circumstances, many people within Oceanwide Expeditions demonstrated composure, professionalism, resilience, discipline, and care for one another. I would like to especially acknowledge Captain Jan Dobrogowski, Expedition Leader Hans Verdaat, the crews aboard the m/v Hondius, and our crisis coordination teams on land in Vlissingen. I also want to sincerely thank the passengers on board for their patience and cooperation throughout this period.
We are now in Phase 3. The m/v Hondius arrived safely in Rotterdam yesterday, May 18, 2026. The remaining crew are being disembarked in accordance with applicable guidelines and procedures, and the repatriation of the deceased person who remained on board will be carried out with the utmost care and respect.
The vessel will now undergo a complete cleaning and disinfection process, along with the full implementation of additional protocols and procedures, as well as a complete crew change before resuming operations. We want to take the necessary time to complete each step properly and responsibly.
We will ensure that the m/v Hondius returns fully prepared and with the highest possible standards of safety and operational readiness, with the start of our Arctic season currently scheduled for June 13.
Like any company facing an exceptional situation, Oceanwide Expeditions has been impacted in recent weeks. However, we remain resilient, focused, and in a strong financial position. Since our founding in 1993, we have weathered other challenging periods, always staying true to our values: serious operations, small-ship expeditions, experienced personnel, and a long-term vision.
Today is no different. More than 30 years after our first journeys, our commitment to the land, to our partners, and to our passengers remains as strong as ever.
We will continue to carefully review this event together with the relevant experts and authorities, and we will take the lessons learned very seriously.
We operate in some of the most remote regions on the planet. This carries with it a responsibility to our passengers, crew, partners, and the environments we explore. Situations like this remind us of the importance of preparation, teamwork, experience, and making calm decisions under pressure.
Our focus now is on supporting those affected, enabling teams to recover, responsibly completing the remaining procedures, and preparing for the next phase.
I've always believed in a simple principle: do the right thing and do it well. In a highly complex and high-pressure situation, where decisions have real human consequences, that principle matters more than ever.
Rémi Bouysset
CEO – Oceanwide Expeditions
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