Hantavirus outbreak cruise ship cleared to sail again weeks after three deaths

The cruise vessel at the heart of a fatal hantavirus outbreak has been given the all-clear to return to service, Oceanwide Expeditions has announced.

MV Hondius triggered a worldwide health emergency earlier this month when passengers contracted the disease. A total of 13 confirmed cases have been linked to the outbreak, resulting in three fatalities.

Hantavirus is an uncommon rodent-borne virus for which no vaccines or specific treatments are available, and the virus can remain dormant in the body for up to eight weeks.

However, following comprehensive cleaning and disinfection procedures, the vessel is now ready to resume operations, with the Dutch public health agency stating there are ‘no longer any obstacles to putting the Hondius back to sea’.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) instructed the 22 British passengers aboard to remain at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, in Merseyside for testing – they began quarantine on May 10.

Six individuals were permitted to depart the hospital to complete their isolation at home on May 13, but the remaining 16 passengers continue to stay at the facility, reports the Mirror.

Just over nine weeks since the initial passenger became unwell aboard on April 6, the vessel is anticipated to set sail once more.

The most recent statement from Oceanwide Expeditions reads: “The planned departure of m/v Hondius from the port of Rotterdam to Vlissingen has been delayed following advice from GGD Rotterdam for additional cleaning procedures.

“The remaining crew members from the original voyage were escorted to quarantine facilities on Saturday evening. Captain Jan Dobrogowski was transported to Poland via specialized transport. Where appropriate, Dutch crew members have returned to their homes for home quarantine as per established protocols.

“GGD Rotterdam, in cooperation with Oceanwide Expeditions, wants to ensure that the vessel is ready to be safely returned to service. Based on their inspection findings, GGD has advised additional cleaning. Following completion of this work, GGD will conduct a final inspection before the vessel can depart from Rotterdam.

“We will communicate the expected timeline for these procedures as soon as this becomes clear. At this stage, all voyages from 13 June onwards will proceed as scheduled. No further disruption to the sailing schedule of m/v Hondius is expected.”