Oceanwide Expeditions has announced that the cruise ship involved in a severe hantavirus outbreak has been given the green light to resume sailing. MV Hondius triggered a global health emergency when a number of passengers contracted the virus, resulting in 13 confirmed cases and three fatalities. Hantavirus, a rare disease transmitted by rodents, has no specific treatment or vaccine and can remain dormant in the body for up to eight weeks.
After undergoing a thorough cleaning and disinfection process, the ship is now deemed fit to set sail again, with the Dutch public health authorities confirming that there are no longer any impediments to its return to the sea. The UK Health Security Agency directed the 22 British passengers on board to undergo testing at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside, where they entered quarantine on May 10.
While six individuals were discharged from the hospital to continue their isolation at home on May 13, the remaining 16 passengers are still receiving care at the hospital. Approximately nine weeks following the initial illness reported on April 6, the vessel is anticipated to recommence its operations.
According to the most recent update from Oceanwide Expeditions, the departure of MV Hondius from Rotterdam to Vlissingen has been postponed due to additional cleaning procedures advised by GGD Rotterdam. The crew members from the previous voyage have been transferred to quarantine facilities, with the captain being sent to Poland for specialized care. Dutch crew members have been instructed to observe home quarantine protocols.
GGD Rotterdam, in collaboration with Oceanwide Expeditions, is ensuring the ship’s readiness for safe operations by mandating further cleaning measures. Once the cleaning is completed, GGD will conduct a final inspection before the ship is allowed to depart from Rotterdam. The company plans to communicate the timeline for these procedures soon, with all voyages scheduled from June 13 onwards expected to proceed as planned, without further disruptions to the ship’s itinerary.