What was supposed to be an adventure cruise to some of the world’s most isolated islands has turned into a nightmare for passengers aboard the MV Hondius, as a deadly hantavirus outbreak has claimed three lives and left the Dutch-flagged vessel searching for a safe harbor.
The expedition ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, has been dealing with three deaths and eight confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases. Passengers, some of whom boarded the vessel on March 20, describe their experience as alternating between anxiety and tedium as they remain confined to their quarters.
After spending four days anchored off the West African nation of Cape Verde, the ship departed Wednesday evening for Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. Specialist medical teams evacuated three individuals before the vessel’s departure, with local authorities granting permission for the journey to continue.
Approximately 150 passengers and crew members remain on board and are expected to disembark under medical supervision once they reach their destination, though quarantine requirements remain unclear.
The cruise line has instructed all passengers to adhere to “isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring,” according to company statements. Martin Kriz, a Swedish physician who has worked aboard the Hondius, explained this means passengers must eat their meals while confined to small four-person cabins.
“It’s quite a small space,” Kriz explained to reporters.
Despite the cramped conditions, passengers report that spirits remain relatively high. Kasem Hato, one of those on board, described the atmosphere as composed and cooperative.
“People are taking the situation seriously but without any panic, trying to keep social distancing and wearing masks to be safe,” Hato said. “Our days have been close to normal, just waiting for authorities to find a solution, but morale on the ship is high and we’re keeping ourselves busy with reading, watching movies, having hot drinks, and that kind of things.”
Social media footage reveals the ship’s elegant wood-paneled common areas sitting completely vacant, with upholstered furniture arranged on vibrant carpeting and ocean views visible through large windows. Photos show medical workers in protective gear delivering supply bags to the vessel’s deck – a sharp contrast to the breathtaking Antarctic scenery passengers had shared from earlier portions of their journey.
American passenger Jake Rosmarin gained attention after sharing a worried video message from his cabin on Instagram, expressing concern about the uncertain situation facing travelers. He later posted a more optimistic update.
“I’m feeling well, getting some fresh air, and continuing to be well fed and taken care of by the crew,” Rosmarin wrote in his follow-up message.
Turkish content creator Ruhi Cenet, who left the ship at Saint Helena on April 24, offered criticism of the initial response. He said that after the first passenger died on April 11, travelers were informed the deceased was not contagious, so normal dining and social activities continued.
“I think this problem could have been small before spreading too much,” Cenet told reporters from Istanbul, suggesting faster isolation protocols might have contained the outbreak.
Oceanwide Expeditions defended their actions in a Wednesday statement, saying information provided by the ship’s captain was accurate when given, and that proper health and safety procedures were followed after the death occurred at sea.
Belgian traveler Helene Goessaert told VRT broadcaster that conditions aboard remain “relatively good,” with fresh produce still being delivered to the vessel. She commended the crew’s efforts during the crisis.
“We are all in the same boat, literally,” Goessaert remarked.
She noted that passengers who weathered rough seas earlier in the voyage are proving resilient during this health emergency as well.
“I think the people on board can take a few lumps,” she observed.
