Tragedy has struck the MV Hondius cruise ship, as three passengers have lost their lives and a fourth is critically ill, possibly due to a hantavirus outbreak along the African coast. This alarming situation has been unfolding according to recent reports.
The World Health Organization, speaking to Agence France-Presse on Sunday, confirmed that one passenger was diagnosed with hantavirus, while five more suspected cases are under investigation. The first confirmed victim, a 70-year-old man, tragically succumbed to hemorrhagic fever while still aboard the vessel.
His 69-year-old wife passed away shortly thereafter in a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlighting the swift and devastating nature of the outbreak. A third individual aboard the MV Hondius also lost their life, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Meanwhile, a 69-year-old British passenger is currently receiving intensive care treatment in a Johannesburg hospital, as reported by the BBC. This outbreak was first detected during the ship’s voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde.
The MV Hondius is operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, a Dutch tour company, which now faces the formidable task of managing this health crisis on their ship. The situation remains fluid as health authorities continue to investigate and contain the potential outbreak.
The outbreak was first reported during Hondius’ journey between Argentina and Cape Verde. The ship is operated by the Dutch tour company Oceanwide Expeditions.
Hantavirus is a disease commonly contracted through infected rodents’ urine, feces and saliva. In rare cases, it can spread between people.
There is no specific treatment or cure for hantavirus, but early medical intervention can increase the chances of survival.
The MV Hondius departed from Argentina on March 20 and was expected to complete its trip in Cape Verde on May 4, according to the cruise itinerary.
The 353-foot polar cruise ship can fit 170 people in its 80 cabins.
One anonymous source told AFP that the third victim died on Sunday and their body was still on the ship. The WHO said it is working on medically evacuating the two remaining symptomatic passengers and conducting a full public health risk assessment for those still on board.
One source told the AFP that there were discussions about placing the two sick passengers in isolation at a hospital in Cape Verde before disembarking to Spain’s Canary Island.
The Post reached out to Oceanwide Expeditions for comment.
The MV Hondius is just the latest recreational cruise ship to be hit with a devastating outbreak.
In early March, norovirus swept through a Star Princess cruise ship during a Caribbean voyage, sickening 104 passengers and 49 crew members.
Hantavirus, though, is a completely different beast with an estimated 35% mortality rate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Legendary actor Gene Hackman, stricken by Alzheimer’s, died alone after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to hantavirus in their rat-infested Santa Fe home in February 2025.
