British Doctor from Hantavirus Cruise Ship Evacuated to Netherlands — Not Spain

Destination Changed After Patient Improves

A British physician aboard the hantavirus-affected cruise ship MV Hondius has been evacuated to the Netherlands rather than the Canary Islands, after an improvement in his medical condition. Spain's Ministry of Health had been preparing for his arrival in Tenerife, with Madrid also considered as an alternative, before the final determination was made.

The Ministry confirmed: "The ship's doctor, whose evacuation to the Canary Islands was initially planned, will also be transferred to the Netherlands following the improvement in his health condition."

Four Evacuated from Cape Verde

A medical transport aircraft departed from Praia airport in Cape Verde carrying four people in total:

• The British physician (the ship's doctor)
• Two crew members showing symptoms
• One asymptomatic individual who had close contact with a deceased German passenger

The group was transferred from the vessel to specialised medical aircraft at Praia before departure. Dutch authorities agreed to provide repatriation via specialised medical aircraft in coordination with international health bodies and national governments from Cape Verde, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands.

Outbreak Update

The evacuation is the latest development in the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius. The World Health Organisation has confirmed at least eight cases among passengers and crew, with three fatalities previously reported. The ship had departed Ushuaia, Argentina, and was bound for the Canary Islands when the outbreak emerged.

Hantavirus is spread through contact with infected rodents — via their urine, droppings or saliva — and is not easily transmitted between people.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published May 6, 2026.