Following a confirmed Hantavirus case on the MV Hondius, three passengers have died as the vessel travels toward the Canary Islands amid growing safety concerns.
Captain’s Statement
In a social media recording from April 12, Captain Jan Dobrogowski informed passengers that one passenger had died during the night. He stated that while the event was tragic, it appeared to be due to natural causes and that medical professionals deemed the health issues non-infectious, meaning the ship was safe.
Who is Jan Dobrogowski?
According to professional-kapitan-jachtowy.pl, Dobrogowski twice circumnavigated Cape Horn in 1999 as the first officer on the “Zawisza Czarny.” He became the vessel’s captain three years later at age 26 and has since commanded large drilling ships and classic sailing vessels.
Death of Three MV Hondius Passengers
The World Health Organization confirmed the deaths of three passengers on the MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean, with one case confirmed as Hantavirus. On April 6, a 70-year-old Dutch man experienced fever, headache, and diarrhea; he died on April 11 after developing shortness of breath.
His 69-year-old wife died on April 26, and a German woman died on May 2. A British citizen is currently in intensive care in South Africa.
Ship Set Course for Canary Islands
After being denied docking in Cape Verde for safety reasons, the MV Hondius, carrying approximately 150 people, departed on May 6 toward the Canary Islands and is expected to reach the port of Tenerife soon.
Canary Islands leader Fernando Clavijo has accused the Spanish government of lacking professionalism and transparency, requesting an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to discuss the matter.
Hantavirus Threat
Hantaviruses are dangerous to human health and life, causing severe respiratory diseases. They are transmitted through contact with the excrement, urine, or saliva of rodents, and in rare cases, can be transmitted between humans.