Oceanwide Expeditions has received clearance for the cruise ship involved in a recent hantavirus outbreak to resume sailing. The MV Hondius triggered a global health emergency when several passengers contracted the rare virus, leading to 13 confirmed cases and three fatalities. Hantavirus, transmitted by rodents, has no specific treatment or vaccine and can remain dormant in the body for up to eight weeks.
After undergoing a thorough cleaning and disinfection process, the ship is now deemed safe for operations by the Dutch public health agency. The UK Health Security Agency instructed the 22 British passengers to undergo testing and quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside. While six individuals were released to complete isolation at home, the remaining 16 passengers continue to stay at the hospital.
Nearly two months after the initial illness was reported onboard on April 6, the MV Hondius is set to recommence its voyages. However, the departure from Rotterdam to Vlissingen has been postponed due to additional cleaning requirements advised by GGD Rotterdam. The crew members from the previous voyage have been placed in quarantine facilities, with the captain being transported to Poland.
GGD Rotterdam and Oceanwide Expeditions are working together to ensure the ship’s readiness for service, with further cleaning procedures being conducted before the vessel can depart from Rotterdam. The sailing schedule for the MV Hondius is expected to resume as planned from June 13 onwards, with no anticipated disruptions.