WHO confirms safe evacuation of passengers from hantavirus-stricken cruise ship in Tenerife

Health, International

GENEVA, Switzerland (NPA) — Director-General of the World Health Organisation Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has confirmed the successful evacuation of all passengers aboard the Hantavirus-stricken cruise ship, MV Hondius, off the coast of Tenerife.

“MV Hondius has now left the shores of Tenerife. All passengers have safely disembarked and are either on their way or have arrived home,” Tedros said in a statement on Monday.

He commended Spain for what he described as the effective execution of a complex humanitarian and public health operation.

According to him, the operation demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism and technical expertise.

Tedros, however, cautioned that monitoring efforts would continue despite the successful evacuation.

“The work is not over,” he said, adding that the WHO would continue to coordinate closely with health experts from countries involved in the response operation.

“We have requested that they report to WHO on the health and well-being of passengers and crew through the IHR platform weekly,” he stated.

“Continued international coordination is essential to protect everyone’s health.”

Earlier, Spain’s Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres Pérez, confirmed that the MV Hondius had departed Tenerife and was heading to the Netherlands.

“The Government has concluded this humanitarian and emergency health operation in an effective and rigorous manner,” he said.

Torres Pérez described the response period as days of intense activity and praised residents and emergency personnel in the Canary Islands for their cooperation and professionalism.

“The Canary Islands once again demonstrated to the world its solidarity and humanity,” he said.

He also thanked citizens and health professionals for prioritising scientific guidance and public safety during the operation.