6 May 2026, 14:45 hrs CET
We can confirm that the three individuals previously indicated as awaiting medical transfer have been successfully disembarked from m/v Hondius and are now en route via medicalized aircraft to locations able to provide specialized care and appropriate medical screening. Two of the individuals remain in a serious condition. The third, while currently asymptomatic, was closely associated with the individual who passed away on board on 2 May 2026. The two symptomatic individuals have not tested positive for hantavirus at this time.
In partnership with the RIVM (Dutch Institute for Public Health and Environment), Oceanwide Expeditions is expanding medical care on board with two infectious disease physicians, arriving today by plane from the Netherlands. This ensures that optimal medical care can be provided if necessary, during the next stage of this evolving situation.
At this stage, the planned onward destination for m/v Hondius is the Canary Islands. Oceanwide Expeditions remains in close and continual discussion with relevant authorities regarding the 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.
The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has confirmed that a passenger who traveled on the first leg of the voyage (Ushuaia to St Helena, 1–24 April 2026) has tested positive for hantavirus and is currently being treated at the University Hospital Zurich. His wife, who accompanied him, has not shown symptoms but is self-isolating as a precaution. Oceanwide Expeditions is in contact with the relevant authorities regarding this development. All guests present on this voyage have been contacted by Oceanwide Expeditions.
This brings the total number of confirmed hantavirus cases associated with this voyage to three:
- On 26 April, after their planned disembarkation, a guest passed away during their transit home. A variant of hantavirus has been identified in this patient.
- On 27 April, a 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 6 May, FOPH confirmed that a passenger who travelled on the first leg of the voyage has tested positive for hantavirus and is currently being treated at the University Hospital Zurich.
All media inquiries should be directed to: Mrs. Kiki Hirschfeldt: [email protected]
For all other matters, we refer to our previous press updates. The unchanged list of previous official communications is as follows:
6 May 2026, 11:00 hrs CET
https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/press-update-6-may-2026-11-00-hrs-cet
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
