Aboard the MV Hondius: how passengers are living through a hantavirus outbreak at sea

The MV Hondius, a passenger ship, was rerouted toward the Canary Islands after crew members and a small number of passengers showed symptoms consistent with the Andes hantavirus. Until the ship's evacuation is completed, days at sea continue for the passengers on board.

BBC's interviews with passengers described the atmosphere onboard as "calm." Passengers said the crew kept a regular briefing rhythm, and that medical staff were visible in the daily routine.

According to health authorities, the spread of the illness among passengers is being monitored for isolated cases. The biocontainment protocol that will apply at disembarkation is being held in reserve until the ship reaches port.

The Andes hantavirus, recorded in specific parts of South America in recent years, is known for rare person-to-person transmission. Past reports describe the incubation window in weeks and recommend an isolation period to lower viral load.

Daily life on the ship rests on distancing arrangements in common areas. Passengers described meal service running in small staggered groups. The onboard activity schedule, outside of open-deck sessions, is structured around long periods in cabins.

Some passengers said they would welcome a clearer indication of the time before the ship docks. Among those who spoke to the BBC, the information from health authorities was described as being shared through the cabin radio system twice a day.

The host port in the Canary Islands is working in coordination with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on docking and disembarkation. Officials said passengers would first undergo a health screening on arrival and then a short period of isolation.

For passengers who are not part of the active evacuation cohort, consular liaisons have been set up so that onward flights can be arranged through their home countries. The UK, US and EU have asked their nationals returning from the ship to self-isolate for up to six weeks.

Most of the confirmed cases are among crew members. BBC added that authorities expect to use this incident in a follow-up review of airflow management on passenger ships and the role of crew training during an epidemic.

The ship's approach to the Canary Islands signals an important stage of the wait for passengers. Officials said the data collected on the outbreak's first week would form a baseline reference for global passenger-tracking programmes once disembarkation is over.