Passengers on hantavirus-stricken ship sway between fear and boredom

A deadly outbreak followed by days stranded at sea are a far cry from the Atlantic odyssey they were expecting on the MV Hondius

It was billed as an Atlantic odyssey to some of the most remote islands in the world.

Instead, the cruise on the hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius was left stranded off Cabo Verde, formerly known as Cape Verde, with passengers in their cabins, medical workers in protective suits tending to the sick and the ship’s operator seeking a safe port.

The outbreak has left three dead and eight confirmed or suspected cases linked to the ‌Dutch-flagged expedition ship.

Passengers, some of whom have been aboard since March 20, have reported moods swinging between fear and boredom: empty lounges, quiet decks, hot drinks, face masks, medical checks, and the uncertainty of not knowing when and how their journey will end.

On Wednesday, specialist teams evacuated three people as the vessel prepared to extend its voyage to Spain’s Canary Islands with the consent of local authorities.

After four days stationed off the West African archipelago, the ship set sail late Wednesday towards the Canary island of Tenerife, where around 150 remaining passengers and crew may finally disembark under medical supervision.