6 May 2026, 11:00 hrs CET
Oceanwide Expeditions continues to respond to an ongoing medical situation aboard m/v Hondius. The vessel remains anchored offshore of Cape Verde.
The planned transfer of three individuals from the vessel to specialized aircraft has not yet taken place. This is scheduled to occur this morning, Cape Verde local time. Once aboard the aircraft, these individuals, two of whom present acute symptoms, will be transferred to medical and screening facilities. The third individual is closely associated with the guest who passed away on board m/v Hondius on 2 May 2026. Exact details will be shared when this planned transfer has taken place.
Following the advice of the RIVM (Dutch Institute for Public Health and Environment), two infectious disease physicians, currently en route from the Netherlands, will embark m/v Hondius and remain with the vessel after its anticipated departure from Cape Verde, provided the three individuals are successfully transferred. An additional medical professional is already on board m/v Hondius.
At this stage, the planned destination for m/v Hondius following the successful medical transfer is the Canary Islands. Oceanwide Expeditions remains in close and continual discussion with relevant authorities regarding our exact point of arrival, quarantine and screening procedures for all guests, and a precise timeline. We are unable to confirm the details of onward travel for guests at this stage. This is dependent on medical advice and the outcome of stringent screening procedures. Close cooperation continues with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
All media inquiries should be directed to:
Mrs. Kiki Hirschfeldt: kiki@coebergh.nl
For all other matters, we refer to our previous press updates. The unchanged list of previous official communications is as follows:
5 May 2026 19:15 hrs CET
https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/onboard-update-m-v-hondius-5-may-2026-19-15-hrs-cet
5 May 2026, 17:00 CET
4 May 2026, 23:30 CET
4 May 2026, 13:30 PM CET
3 May 2026, 3:00 hrs CET
https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/operational-update-medical-situation-aboard-m-v-hondius