The majority of the crew aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, currently under quarantine due to a Hantavirus outbreak, are reportedly from the Philippines, totaling 38 individuals.
The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has provided a reassuring update, confirming that all 38 Filipino crew members on the vessel remain in stable condition and have not exhibited any symptoms of infection, despite the cruise ship’s stringent isolation measures in international waters.
DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo, quoted by Inquirer on Thursday, May 7, underscored the absence of reported illnesses among the crew. “The good news is, according to WHO, under international health regulations, none of them are sick. We have not heard or received any reports so far. We continue to coordinate closely,” Domingo stated, highlighting ongoing collaboration with international health bodies.
The question of whether these crew members will eventually be repatriated to the Philippines remains a key concern.
Addressing the matter, Domingo clarified, “We are monitoring the situation and, based on our coordination with [other] government agencies, the responsibility for repatriation now lies with the operator.”
He further elaborated, “They are a cruise ship, there’s a company, let’s monitor how their return process will be later,” indicating that the onus is on the cruise operator to arrange for their safe return.
According to AFP, the MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, carries a total of 88 passengers and 61 crew members. The diverse crew contingent hails from 12 countries, with the Filipino nationals forming the largest group at 38, followed by 5 from Ukraine, 5 from the Netherlands, and 4 from the United Kingdom.
Similarly, the 88 passengers onboard represent 15 different nationalities, including 19 from the UK, 17 from the United States, 13 from Spain, and 8 from the Netherlands.
8 Hantavirus Cases
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through exposure to the urine or droppings of infected rodents, particularly rats, making proper sanitation and pest control crucial in preventing its spread.
Symptoms of Hantavirus infection can be severe, encompassing fever, gastrointestinal disturbances, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress, underscoring the serious nature of the current outbreak.
Tragically, the MV Hondius has been linked to 8 Hantavirus cases—including both confirmed and suspected infections—with three fatalities reported, highlighting the critical health situation onboard.
The cruise ship embarked on its journey from Ushuaia, Argentina, around April 1, 2026, on an extensive itinerary that included remote islands.
Its main route encompassed:
- Ushuaia, Argentina
- Antarctica
- South Georgia
- Nightingale Island
- Tristan da Cunha
- Saint Helena
- Ascension Island
- Cape Verde
Upon approaching Cape Verde, the West African nation denied the vessel permission to dock, citing “precautionary measures” in light of the Hantavirus outbreak. Subsequently, Spain granted the MV Hondius authorization to berth in its Canary Islands territory, citing humanitarian grounds, allowing for necessary assistance and medical evaluation.
Summary
The MV Hondius cruise ship is under quarantine due to a Hantavirus outbreak, which has resulted in 8 reported cases and 3 fatalities among its international occupants. The majority of the crew, 38 individuals from the Philippines, are confirmed by the Philippine Department of Health to be in stable condition and asymptomatic. The responsibility for the eventual repatriation of these crew members lies with the cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions.
The vessel, carrying 88 passengers and 61 crew members from diverse nationalities, embarked from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026. Hantavirus is a serious infection transmitted primarily by rodents, capable of causing severe symptoms like pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. After being denied docking by Cape Verde, the MV Hondius was granted permission to berth in Spain’s Canary Islands for humanitarian reasons.