Aboard the HV Hondius, where the specter of hantavirus lingers, passengers continue their routines with an unexpected sense of calm, even as they face the chilling reality of the disease that claimed the lives of three fellow travelers.
Images captured on Wednesday provide a glimpse into the lives of those quarantined on the ship. Among the more than 100 passengers and crew, some are shown watching television, while others gaze contemplatively at the vast expanse of sea surrounding them.
Meanwhile, lines form as individuals wait to consult with epidemiologists, who remain vigilant for any signs of the contagious illness among those on board.
“Passengers still have access to fresh air on the outer decks, meals can be delivered directly to cabins, and everyone on board continues to be cared for and supported,” shared travel vlogger Jake Rosmarin with his TikTok audience on Wednesday, offering reassurance amid uncertainty.
The voyage took a disastrous turn when an elderly Dutch couple unknowingly introduced a rare, human-to-human strain of the virus to the ship after contracting it in Argentina the previous month.
Tragically, the husband succumbed to the illness while still on the vessel. His wife, after disembarking on the island of St. Helena, developed symptoms and later passed away in South Africa.
Another passenger died, and three were evacuated to the Netherlands for medical care, the WHO said.
Twenty-three others left the ship before realizing they had been exposed to the deadly virus — which has a mortality rate of up to 40% — on April 23, according to a passenger who is still aboard the ship.
But most passengers are still stuck aboard, answering questions from health workers and waiting to see if they show symptoms, which can take up to eight weeks to appear.
But life aboard the HV Hondius seems to be comfortable, at least, as the ship makes its way to the Canary Islands.
The photos show passengers biding their time in clean, well-appointed cabins and shared spaces, pouring themselves hot drinks and snapping photos.
One picture shows several passengers watching a soccer match — apparently as calm as can be expected for people waiting to see if they’ll become deathly ill.
Hantavirus attacks the lungs and slowly suffocates its victims. It is normally transmitted via rodent feces, but the Andes strain can jump from human to human.
Fortunately, it usually spreads through prolonged, close contact and isn’t nearly as contagious as diseases like COVID-19.
Rosmarin thanked cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions for their support and told his fans he hopes medical staff in the Canary Islands can get people the testing and care they need.
