MV Hondius to resume voyages after hantavirus outbreak clearance by authorities
Cruise ship MV Hondius has been given the all-clear to return to sea by Dutch health authorities following a deadly hantavirus outbreak that killed three people
MV Hondius to resume voyages after hantavirus outbreak(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Oceanwide Expeditions has confirmed that the cruise ship at the heart of a lethal hantavirus outbreak is now ready to set sail again.
Earlier this month, MV Hondius triggered a worldwide health scare when passengers contracted the disease. The outbreak has been linked to 13 confirmed cases and three fatalities.
Hantavirus, a rare virus transmitted by rodents for which there are no vaccines or specific treatments, can remain dormant in the body for up to eight weeks.
However, following an extensive clean and disinfection, the Dutch public health agency has declared the ship fit to return to sea, stating there are ‘no longer any obstacles to putting the Hondius back to sea’.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) instructed the 22 British passengers on board to remain at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral, Merseyside for testing – they entered quarantine on May 10.
Six individuals were permitted to leave the hospital on May 13 to complete their isolation at home, while the remaining 16 passengers continue to stay at the hospital, reports the Mirror.
Just over nine weeks after the first passenger fell ill onboard on April 6, the ship is slated to sail again.
The most recent update from Oceanwide Expeditions reads: “The planned departure of m/v Hondius from the port of Rotterdam to Vlissingen has been delayed following advice from GGD Rotterdam for additional cleaning procedures.
“The remaining crew members from the original voyage were escorted to quarantine facilities on Saturday evening. Captain Jan Dobrogowski was transported to Poland via specialized transport. Where appropriate, Dutch crew members have returned to their homes for home quarantine as per established protocols.
“GGD Rotterdam, in cooperation with Oceanwide Expeditions, wants to ensure that the vessel is ready to be safely returned to service. Based on their inspection findings, GGD has advised additional cleaning. Following completion of this work, GGD will conduct a final inspection before the vessel can depart from Rotterdam.
“We will communicate the expected timeline for these procedures as soon as this becomes clear. At this stage, all voyages from 13 June onwards will proceed as scheduled. No further disruption to the sailing schedule of m/v Hondius is expected.”
