By: The Trek News Desk
Spanish authorities have launched a large-scale evacuation operation for passengers and crew members aboard the virus-affected cruise ship MS Hondius, currently anchored near Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. The move comes after cases of hantavirus infection were reported on the vessel, prompting emergency health and safety measures.
Spain’s Health Minister Mónica García stated that the evacuation process is being carried out in an organised manner and that no passengers are currently showing severe symptoms. However, officials are maintaining strict precautions to prevent any possible spread of the infection.
The cruise ship was positioned near the port of Granadilla early Sunday morning, where rescue teams began transferring passengers to shore in small groups. Authorities have established a security perimeter around the vessel, while police patrol boats continue monitoring the surrounding waters.
Passengers are being separated according to nationality before being transported by special buses to the local airport. From there, chartered flights will return them safely to their respective countries.
Special health protocols have also been implemented at the airport. According to reports, medical personnel are providing passengers with protective gear and conducting sanitisation procedures before boarding flights.
The first group to disembark included 14 Spanish nationals. Additional evacuation flights arranged by the Netherlands are expected to carry Dutch, German and Greek passengers, along with several crew members. Further flights are planned for the United Kingdom and the United States, while the final evacuation flight is expected to depart for Australia on Monday.
Medical authorities at Tenerife’s Candelaria Hospital have prepared isolation units and emergency treatment facilities to handle any serious cases that may emerge during the evacuation process. Intensive care specialists, ventilators and infection-testing equipment have been kept ready as part of the emergency response.
Senior doctor Mar Martin said that while hantavirus cases are uncommon in the region, the hospital staff is fully trained to deal with infectious disease situations and is prepared for any emergency.
Reports indicate that a passenger aboard the ship died from the virus nearly a month ago. Since then, the vessel has remained under close observation, and authorities have now accelerated evacuation efforts to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
Spanish officials said the entire operation is being conducted under international health safety guidelines to minimise the risk of further infection.
Source: News Agencies
