A luxury expedition cruise turned into a floating crisis after a suspected deadly virus outbreak left multiple passengers dead and dozens stranded at sea.
The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius has been refused permission to dock in Cape Verde, with officials saying the move is necessary to protect public health. The ship is currently sitting off the West African coast with around 150 people still on board.
The situation escalated after three passengers died during the voyage, all showing serious symptoms linked to a possible hantavirus infection. Several others have reportedly fallen ill, raising fears of a wider outbreak.
The ship’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, confirmed it is dealing with a serious medical situation and is working with health authorities to find a solution. For now, no passengers have been allowed to disembark.
Cape Verde officials made it clear the decision to block entry was precautionary, as concerns grow over the risk of spreading the virus to the islands.
The timeline of events has only added to the concern. A 70-year-old Dutch man died on April 11 after experiencing fever, headaches, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. His wife, who also became ill, was evacuated to South Africa but later collapsed at an airport in Johannesburg and died.
Another passenger, a British man, was airlifted off the ship on April 27 and later tested positive for hantavirus, a rare but dangerous disease typically spread through contact with infected rodents. The virus can cause severe respiratory illness or even hemorrhagic fever.
Most recently, a German national died onboard, marking the third fatality tied to the outbreak.
Despite the growing number of deaths, officials have not yet confirmed that hantavirus is the direct cause in all cases. Investigations are still ongoing as medical teams work to assess the situation and treat those showing symptoms.
Efforts are now underway to evacuate at least two more seriously ill passengers, while discussions continue about allowing the ship to dock elsewhere, possibly in the Canary Islands.