A developing medical situation aboard the expedition vessel Hondius continues to evolve, with authorities racing to coordinate evacuations and determine the next steps for passengers.
Image: Oceanwide Expeditions (@oceanwideexp) on Instagram
The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, remains anchored off the coast of Cape Verde as of 4 May. On board, two crew members are experiencing acute respiratory symptoms. One case is described as mild, the other severe. Both require urgent medical care.
Health officials have now confirmed that a variant of hantavirus has been identified in a Dutch passenger who died after disembarking on Saint Helena on 27 April. This brings the total number of confirmed cases on the voyage to two.
Calm on board as response escalates
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the atmosphere on board remains composed. Passengers are reported to be calm as the crew implements strict health protocols.
Oceanwide Expeditions has activated its highest-level response plan, known as SHIELD Level 3. Measures include isolation procedures, enhanced hygiene controls and ongoing medical monitoring. The company says its teams are working to reassure guests while preparing for disembarkation and screening.
Evacuation plans under discussion
Dutch authorities are preparing a possible medical evacuation involving two specialised aircraft equipped with advanced medical facilities. The plan would include the two symptomatic crew members, as well as an individual connected to a passenger who died on 2 May.
However, the operation has not yet been confirmed. Timelines remain uncertain as authorities coordinate across multiple jurisdictions.
Local health officials in Cape Verde have already boarded the vessel to assess the situation. Any evacuation or passenger disembarkation will require formal approval and careful coordination.
No Cape Verde disembarkation for passengers
At this stage, passengers will not be disembarking in Cape Verde, except for those requiring urgent medical evacuation.
Alternative plans are being considered. The vessel may sail onward to Las Palmas or Tenerife, where broader medical screening and logistical support could be arranged in collaboration with international health authorities, including the World Health Organization and Dutch health services.
A final decision has not yet been made.
Timeline of events
The unfolding situation dates back several weeks:
- 11 April: A passenger dies on board. The cause of death cannot be determined at sea.
- 24 April: The deceased passenger is disembarked on Saint Helena. His wife accompanies the repatriation.
- 27 April: The wife becomes ill during her return journey and later dies. A hantavirus variant is confirmed on 4 May.
- 27 April: Another passenger is evacuated to Johannesburg. The British national remains in intensive care in a critical but stable condition. Hantavirus has been identified.
- 2 May: A second death occurs on board. The cause is still unknown.
Ongoing coordination
There are currently 149 people on board, representing 23 nationalities. Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with international and local authorities, including the RIVM and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The company says it remains in contact with affected families and will continue to provide verified updates as the situation develops.
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