British doctor evacuated to Netherlands as 'Rat Virus' cruise prepares for tense Tenerife arrival

Fatal cruise

Medic among three patients evacuated as Spain overrules local protest to accept 'hantavirus' ship in Tenerife

Gerard Couzens

A major diplomatic and health crisis is unfolding in the Atlantic as the virus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius steers toward the Canary Islands.

The voyage, which began in Argentina, has turned into a tragedy following a deadly outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus, which has claimed three lives and left several others infected.

The focus of international attention has been the ship’s British doctor, who fell critically ill while treating passengers. Following a night of conflicting reports - during which Tenerife officials claimed a planned medical airlift had been "cancelled" without explanation - the Spanish Health Ministry has confirmed his status.

After his condition stabilised, the doctor was successfully evacuated from Cape Verde and is currently being flown directly to the Netherlands on a specialised medical aircraft, alongside two other infected patients.

A political powder keg

Despite the evacuation of the most critical cases, the ship and its remaining 144 passengers - including 23 Britons - continue their four-day journey toward the Port of Santa Cruz. The arrival is anything but welcome.

Related story

• Fatal cruise

  • 14 Spaniards confined on hantavirus cruise ship report no symptoms and good health amid outbreak

  Miguel G. Casallo

Fernando Clavijo, President of the Canary Islands, has launched a blistering attack on the Spanish government, accusing them of "acting behind the backs" of local institutions. "If we do not have the proper information that guarantees the protection of our population, the Canary Islands government will not allow any ship to dock," Clavijo stated, demanding an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The repatriation plan

The Spanish Health Ministry maintains it has a "moral and legal obligation" to assist, supported by a formal request from the WHO. Once the ship enters a "secure zone" in Tenerife, a strict protocol will begin:

• Specialist Screening: Health teams in biohazard gear will board to examine all remaining passengers.

• Strict Isolation: Passengers will be moved in small, isolated groups to avoid any contact with the local population.

• Homebound Flights: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has assured that plans are in place for the safe onward travel of the 23 British nationals on board

For those still on the MV Hondius, the luxury of the "Antarctic Discovery" cruise has been replaced by a sterile, floating quarantine. As they navigate the final leg of this harrowing journey, the eyes of the international health community remain fixed on the ship, watching for any sign that this rare, human-to-human strain has spread further.