The MV Hondius, a cruise ship that became the center of a global health concern following a deadly hantavirus outbreak, finally docked in Rotterdam harbor this Monday, May 18, 2026. The arrival marks the conclusion of a harrowing journey for passengers and crew from 23 different countries.
As the ship made its final approach to the port, a skeleton crew of 27 people—including 25 crew members and two medical staff—were visible on board, wearing white face masks and blue hard hats. Upon disembarkation, these individuals are set to undergo weeks of strict quarantine to ensure the virus is contained.
The crisis began on May 2, when a cluster of severe respiratory illnesses was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, the outbreak has claimed three lives: a Dutch couple and a German woman. To date, seven patients have tested positive for the hantavirus, with one additional probable case. The most recent confirmed case was reported in Canada late Sunday.
The hantavirus is a rare condition for which no specific vaccines or treatments currently exist. While the WHO has worked to reassure the public that the outbreak does not mirror the scale of the Covid-19 pandemic—stressing that human-to-human contagion is very rare—health officials remain vigilant. WHO Director-General Tedros warned that the virus has an incubation period lasting several weeks, meaning new cases could still emerge among those exposed.
The resolution of the crisis involved a complex international evacuation effort. On May 10, more than 120 passengers and crew were evacuated in the Canary Islands, returning to their respective home countries or to the Netherlands. Among those evacuated, a 65-year-old French woman was hospitalized in critical condition in Paris after becoming symptomatic during her flight.
The remaining individuals disembarking in Rotterdam include citizens from the Philippines, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Russia, and Poland. While all currently remaining on board are asymptomatic, they will be monitored closely in quarantine facilities or via self-isolation at home.
The MV Hondius, operated by the Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions, will now undergo comprehensive cleaning and disinfection procedures to ensure the vessel is safe for future use.
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Journey's end for hantavirus cruise ship as it docks in Rotterdam
cgtn.com
