UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has spoken out after reports of there being 19 passengers on the hantavirus-stricken MV Hondius cruise ship.
Three people have died on the Dutch vessel after a suspected hantavirus outbreak. Plans are now in place to evacuate one British member of crew who needs 'urgent' medical care following acute respiratory symptoms.
The cruise ship is currently off the coast of Cape Verde, where it is hoped the medical evacuation of the British crew member, along with a Dutch colleague and a passenger, will take place.
Separate to these two people, one British passenger is reported to have fallen.
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Starmer said: “My thoughts are with those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius.
“We are working closely with international partners to support British nationals on board and we’re putting plans in place for their safe onward travel.
“The risk to the wider public remains very low, protecting the British people is our number one priority.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said other passengers are confined to their cabins while 'disinfection and other public health measures are carried out'.
Tour operator Oceanwide Expeditions said the operation is “complex” adding: “This will involve two specialised aircraft equipped with the necessary medical equipment and staffed by trained medical crews.
“This is not confirmed and is subject to change.”
Once the evacuations have taken place, it is understood the ship will move on to the Canary Islands.
Meanwhile the British passenger struck down by hantavirus is 'understood to be improving'. The passenger was medically evacuated on 27 April to Johannesburg, South Africa, and remains in intensive care.
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, from the WHO, said: “As of today, seven individuals of the 147 passengers and crew have been reported ill, sadly, three have died.
“One patient is in intensive care in South Africa, although we understand that this patient is improving while two patients are still on board the ship and are being prepared for medical evacuation to the Netherlands for treatment.”
On April 27, the wife of the passenger died, and authorities confirmed a variant of hantavirus On May 2, a German passenger on board died, though the cause has not yet been confirmed.
“The atmosphere on board MV Hondius remains calm, with passengers generally composed,” Oceanwide Expeditions said in a statement.
“Oceanwide Expeditions is working to provide clarity and reassurance to guests and expedite their disembarkation and medical screening.”
Topics: Travel, UK News, Cruise Ship
Tom Earnshaw