Three Dead in Suspected Virus Outbreak on Atlantic Cruise Ship

A suspected viral outbreak aboard the MV Hondius has left three people dead and one British national in critical condition, according to tour operator Ocean wide Expeditions.

The vessel, currently off the coast of Cape Verde, is carrying 149 passengers and crew.

Authorities have confirmed that a 69-year-old UK national, who was medically evacuated to South Africa, tested positive for hantavirus a rare but potentially severe virus typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents.

Health officials say the patient is in intensive care in Johannesburg.

Two additional crew members onboard have also developed respiratory symptoms, though it is not yet confirmed whether their cases are linked to hantavirus.

The exact cause of the three deaths reported to include a Dutch couple and a German national has not yet been established. Investigations are ongoing.

World Health Organization’s officials say hantavirus infections are uncommon and not easily transmitted between people, noting that the risk to the wider public remains low.

However, the situation onboard remains tense, with passengers unable to disembark as authorities coordinate response measures. Cape Verdean officials have reportedly restricted entry in an effort to protect the local population.

The ship’s operator says strict health protocols, including isolation and medical monitoring, have been implemented as discussions continue over possible evacuation and disembarkation plans.