7 May 2026, 13:30 hrs CET
Oceanwide Expeditions is aware of a video filmed on 12 April 2026 and showing the onboard announcement to guests of the death of an individual on board on 11 April 2026.
The safety and well-being of all passengers and crew is our utmost priority. At the time of the first death on 11 April, the cause of death was unknown and there was no evidence of a virus or contagion on board m/v Hondius. This was established by the medical doctor on board and communicated in person by the captain to passengers and crew on 12 April.
The case was believed to be isolated following medical review. Proper procedure was followed in informing all guests and crew aboard m/v Hondius. Health and safety, and maritime standards regarding the proper management and reporting of a death at sea, were strictly followed. Following the medevac of an unwell guest on 27 April, the ship's medical team requested testing to determine whether any common pathogens were present. Oceanwide Expeditions initiated its SHIELD response plan on this date.
Hantavirus was confirmed on 4 May to be present in the individual transferred by medevac from m/v Hondius on 27 April and currently being treated in a South African hospital. This was the first confirmed case. In response, Oceanwide Expeditions immediately upgraded its response protocol, requesting guests follow isolation measures, hygiene protocols, and expand medical monitoring. Three additional medical professionals have since embarked the vessel, bringing the total number to four medical professionals on board.