Health authorities are investigating a developing medical situation aboard a Dutch cruise ship after several passengers fell ill and multiple deaths were reported during its voyage from the South Atlantic toward Europe.
The vessel, the MV Hondius, has been anchored off the coast of Cape Verde, where it is currently being held while medical teams assess those onboard. The ship departed Argentina around three weeks ago, carrying passengers who had visited Antarctica and the Falkland Islands, with plans to continue toward the Canary Islands.
According to officials, three passengers have died during the journey. A 70-year-old Dutch man died upon arrival at St. Helena, while his 69-year-old wife later died in hospital in Johannesburg after being evacuated from the ship. A third passenger, also elderly, has been confirmed deceased. In addition, a 69-year-old British citizen is in intensive care in Johannesburg and has tested positive for hantavirus infection.
Two crew members have also reported symptoms consistent with illness, prompting concern among health officials. Local authorities have boarded the vessel to carry out inspections and assess potential risks to remaining passengers and staff.
The suspected infection involved is Hantavirus, a rare but serious illness typically transmitted through contact with infected rodent urine or droppings. Human-to-human transmission is considered extremely uncommon.
Australian virus researcher Professor Paul Griffin said global cases of hantavirus number between 150,000 and 200,000 annually, but direct transmission between people remains rare. He noted that cruise ships present unique conditions where close contact in shared environments could, in theory, increase the risk of spread if unusual transmission were occurring.
However, he also emphasised that improved hygiene practices since the COVID-19 pandemic make such scenarios less likely, adding that the situation remains under investigation and no clear evidence of onboard transmission has been confirmed.
Authorities have not allowed passengers or crew to disembark while testing and contact tracing continue. Medical teams are working to determine whether the illnesses are linked to a common source or represent isolated cases that occurred during travel.
The shipping company operating the voyage said it is cooperating fully with health officials and prioritising passenger safety. It confirmed that those showing symptoms are receiving medical attention and that precautionary measures remain in place.
As investigations continue, officials are urging caution until more is known about the cause of the outbreak and how the infection may have spread during the voyage.
