New footage has emerged showing the large-scale evacuation of passengers from the hantavirus-affected MV Hondius cruise ship in Tenerife. The video, obtained from the Spanish Civil Guard on May 10, depicts the arrival of coaches at the port of Granadilla de Abona as personnel in hazmat gear work the scene. Police vehicles, helicopters, and maritime units were also involved in the operation.
Massive Response Operation
The Spanish Civil Guard stated that more than 300 personnel participated in the transfer of occupants from the MV Hondius to Tenerife South Airport. Resources included air support, vessels from the maritime service, NRBQ specialists, GRS units, and citizen security units. The cruise ship had been affected by a hantavirus outbreak before docking in Tenerife.
Passenger Evacuation and Medical Care
British passengers were among those evacuated and later flown to a UK hospital. A chartered flight from Tenerife landed at Manchester Airport, and passengers were transported by coach to Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, where the driver was seen wearing protective gear. The 20 British passengers, along with one German national (a UK resident) and one Japanese passenger, have tested negative for hantavirus. They will isolate for 72 hours in a dedicated accommodation block before possibly completing a 45-day isolation at home.
Health Authorities' Response
Janelle Holmes, CEO of Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust, said passengers are likely traumatized and exhausted. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the risk to the public remains very low. Hantaviruses are potentially fatal and transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.
