Two Indian Crew Evacuated To Netherlands After Cruise Ship Hantavirus Case

Two Indian crew members aboard the Dutch cruise vessel MV Hondius were evacuated to the Netherlands following a hantavirus outbreak onboard, according to officials. The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, arrived in Spain’s Canary Islands with around 150 passengers and crew, where health protocols were immediately activated. Authorities confirmed that the two Indian nationals are currently healthy and showing no symptoms.

The Embassy of India in Spain stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities. Acting on guidance from the Spanish National Centre for Emergency Monitoring and Coordination (CENEM), the two crew members were transferred to the Netherlands, where they will undergo mandatory quarantine in accordance with established health safety procedures. Indian Ambassador Jayant N. Khobragade is overseeing their welfare and ensuring continuous coordination during the evacuation process.

The World Health Organization World Health Organization has been actively involved in managing the response. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that health experts are working with Spanish authorities on epidemiological assessments and coordinating international evacuation flights. Officials also confirmed that all identified passengers and crew remain asymptomatic at this stage.

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Hantavirus is a rodent-borne infectious disease transmitted primarily through exposure to infected rodents or their droppings, urine, or saliva. Human infection can occur when airborne particles are inhaled in enclosed environments such as ships or warehouses. Symptoms typically appear between one and eight weeks after exposure, and while cases are rare, outbreaks require strict containment measures due to potential severity.

The outbreak has triggered a multinational evacuation effort involving passengers of several nationalities. Repatriation flights have already landed in cities including Madrid and Paris, where some individuals have been placed in isolation after developing symptoms. French authorities, including Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, confirmed that affected passengers are being strictly monitored, while isolation protocols have been enforced to prevent further spread.

Spanish Health Minister Mónica García said that evacuation operations for approximately 150 passengers and crew are being carried out in phases, with additional flights scheduled to countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Ireland, Turkey, the United States, and Australia. Authorities expect the coordinated international response to conclude after final repatriation flights, followed by a mandatory monitoring period for all exposed individuals.

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