Authorities in Spain have launched a large-scale evacuation operation for passengers aboard the cruise ship MS Hondius, which has been placed under quarantine near the island of Tenerife following cases linked to Hantavirus.
According to the Ministry of Health, the evacuation process is being carried out under strict safety measures. Passengers are being transported to shore by small boats before being repatriated to their home countries on charter flights.
Authorities stated that, so far, passengers have not shown symptoms. However, medical teams have conducted detailed examinations onboard to identify any possible cases of infection.
The ship arrived near the port of Granadilla after a long voyage, while a maritime security perimeter has been established around the vessel. Dozens of healthcare specialists and emergency response teams have been deployed to manage the situation.
Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria has been placed on full alert, with isolation facilities and specialized equipment prepared for the treatment of potential infectious disease cases.
The evacuation operation is expected to continue for several days as Spanish authorities closely monitor the health condition of everyone onboard.
