A luxury cruise ship linked to a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus has been denied permission to dock in Cape Verde, as health concerns continue to escalate.
Officials in Cape Verde confirmed they refused entry to the vessel in order to “protect national public health,” leaving the ship anchored off the coast of Praia.
Situation Escalates at Sea
The Dutch-flagged vessel, MV Hondius, is currently carrying 149 passengers from 23 countries, including many from the UK, US, and Spain.
So far:
- Three passengers have died
- One confirmed case of hantavirus
- Multiple suspected infections and respiratory illnesses
- Two crew members also showing symptoms
Health authorities say investigations are ongoing, with all cases being treated as potential hantavirus-related incidents.
Evacuations Being Planned
Medical teams are now working to evacuate passengers showing symptoms, with officials coordinating a possible air ambulance evacuation.
Authorities in Cape Verde say they are working closely with international partners to monitor the situation and prepare emergency responses.
Passenger Shares Emotional Plea
Amid the uncertainty, U.S. travel blogger Jake Rosmarin shared a tearful video from onboard.
“All I want is to feel safe, to have clarity, and to get home,” he said.
The video quickly spread online, capturing the anxiety among passengers still stranded at sea.
@reuters Medics are working to evacuate two people with symptoms of the deadly hantavirus after a suspected outbreak on a luxury cruise ship held off West Africa carrying mostly British, American and Spanish passengers, officials said. Jake Rosmarin, a U.S. travel blogger, posted this tearful video on Instagram from the ship, saying all he wants is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home. #hantavirus #cruise #health #cruiseship #evacuation
What We Know About the Virus
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly infection typically spread through contact with infected rodent waste.
Symptoms can begin with:
- Fever and fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches and dizziness
In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening lung complications, with a high fatality rate once respiratory symptoms develop.
Timeline of the Outbreak
According to the cruise operator:
- April 11: First passenger died onboard (cause unknown)
- April 27: Second passenger (Dutch national) died after falling ill
- April 27: Another passenger evacuated to South Africa (confirmed hantavirus)
- May 3: Third passenger (German national) died onboard
Despite only one confirmed case, global health officials are treating the situation with extreme caution.
What Happens Next?
With docking denied and infections still under investigation, the ship remains in limbo as authorities race to:
- Contain any potential spread
- Evacuate critical patients
- Determine the source of the outbreak
For now, passengers remain onboard—waiting for answers.
