Press update: timeline of the medical situation on board the m/v Hondius

4 May 2026, 13:30 PM CET

Oceanwide Expeditions is still dealing with a serious medical situation on board the m/v Hondius, which is currently off the coast of Cape Verde.

A brief timeline of the medical situation on board the m/v Hondius is as follows:

On 11 April, a passenger died on board. The cause of death could not be determined on board. On 24 April, this passenger was disembarked on St Helena, with his wife accompanying the repatriation.

On 27 April, Oceanwide Expeditions was informed that the wife had become unwell during the return journey and had later died. Both passengers were Dutch nationals. At this time, it has not been confirmed that these two deaths are connected to the current medical situation on board.

On 27 April, another passenger became seriously ill and was medically evacuated to South Africa. This person is currently being treated in the intensive care unit in Johannesburg and is in a critical but stable condition. This passenger is of British nationality. A variant of hantavirus has been identified in this patient.

On 2 May, another passenger on board died. The cause has not yet been established. This passenger was of German nationality.

In addition, there are currently two crew members on board with acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe. Both require urgent medical care. These crew members are of British and Dutch nationality. At this time, no other persons with symptoms have been identified.

Hantavirus has not currently been confirmed in the two persons still on board who require medical care. Nor has it been established that the virus is connected to the three deaths associated with this voyage. The exact cause and any possible connection are being investigated. Therefore, the only confirmed case of hantavirus is the passenger who was medically evacuated and is now being treated in Johannesburg.

The vessel remains off the coast of Cape Verde. There are 149 people on board, representing 23 different nationalities. The disembarkation of passengers, medical evacuation and medical screening require permission from, and coordination with, the local health authorities. Local health authorities have visited the vessel and assessed the situation. The medical transfer of the two ill persons on board has not yet taken place.

Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the same time, preparations are being made for possible medical repatriation and next steps. The option of sailing on to Las Palmas or Tenerife are being considered to be the gateway for disembarkation, where further medical screening and handling could take place.

Strict precautionary measures are in process on board, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring. All passengers have been informed and are being supported.

Oceanwide Expeditions is in close contact with those directly involved and their families, and is providing support where possible.

We understand the considerable interest and concern and will share new information as soon as it has been verified. The nationalities of passengers and crew are as follows:  

All media inquiries should be directed to:

Mrs. Kiki Hirschfeldt: kiki@coebergh.nl

or

Mr. Piet-Hein Coebergh: piethein@coebergh.nl

*Please note that no other information will be shared than the above.