Health & Lifestyle
Indian Crew Members Evacuated From MV Hondius After Hantavirus Alert
The Embassy of India in Spain confirmed that two Indian nationals aboard the Dutch cruise vessel MV Hondius were safely evacuated and are healthy following a reported hantavirus outbreak.
The Embassy of India in Spain on Sunday said that two Indian nationals aboard the Dutch expedition cruise ship MV Hondius are safe, healthy and asymptomatic after a hantavirus outbreak was reported on the vessel.
According to the Indian mission, the two Indian crew members were evacuated to the Netherlands as a precautionary measure following the outbreak.
The luxury cruise ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, had begun its voyage from Ushuaia on April 1 before arriving at the Canary Islands on Sunday.
The vessel was carrying around 150 individuals, including passengers and crew members, when the outbreak was reported.
In a statement shared on social media, the Indian Embassy said the ship had anchored in the Canary Islands and authorities were closely monitoring the situation.
Hantavirus is a rare viral disease generally transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings and can sometimes cause serious respiratory illness.
Officials have not indicated any widespread health emergency among the passengers, and the Indian nationals were reported to be in stable condition without symptoms.
The incident has drawn attention due to growing global focus on maritime health safety and disease monitoring aboard international cruise vessels.