Rare Hantavirus Outbreak Kills Three Aboard Oceanwide Expeditions Ship

A rare outbreak of hantavirus has killed at least three passengers onboard the m/v Hondius, a ship from Oceanwide Expeditions, a Netherlands-based expedition cruise company.

According to reports and a statement from Oceanwide, the ship was sailing a 35-night Atlantic Odyssey itinerary when the outbreak started sometime in late April and early May. Hantavirus is a virus that begins with flu-like symptoms and then progresses into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which fills lungs with fluid and can make it difficult to breathe. The virus is very rarely seen on cruise ships and is typically spread through contact with infected rodents.

Oceanwide said on Monday that three passengers from the ship have died, including a 70-year-old Dutch man who died on board and his 69-year-old wife, who collapsed and died in Johannesburg while trying to fly home. Another passenger is in critical condition in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members are currently symptomatic and require urgent medical care.

As of Monday morning, the ship is currently anchored off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde. Local authorities have not yet granted permission for the symptomatic crew or the remaining 150 passengers to disembark, pending further medical screening. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the ship is flagged, is reportedly coordinating with Cape Verdean officials to organize a repatriation flight to the Netherlands for the sick crew and the deceased.

“We are currently establishing the full facts and working on appropriate medical care, screening, and next steps. We will provide a further update as soon as more information becomes available,” Oceanwide said in its statement.

Hondius was built in 2019 specifically as an expedition cruise ship. It carries up to 170 passengers across 80 cabins and is more rugged than many of the luxury-focused ships that have recently entered the market. When it entered service, it was the first vessel ever registered as Polar Class 6, the highest polar notation for ice-strengthened passenger ships.