A health specialist has warned that passengers still aboard the MV Hondius may face weeks in isolation.
The vessel departed Argentina last month for an Atlantic crossing, but the trip has been overshadowed by a Hantavirus outbreak in which at least three people are reported to have died.
On Tuesday, new images showed three individuals being evacuated from the ship for medical care. The Dutch Foreign Ministry confirmed that those taken ashore included British, German and Dutch nationals.
The MV Hondius had been due to arrive in the Canary Islands within days. However, Canary Islands president Fernando Clavijo has since opposed the Spanish Government’s move to allow the ship to dock there.
With uncertainty continuing, an emergency medicine physician has outlined what the remaining passengers could be facing.
“I’m sure people are isolated or quarantined in their rooms or cabins, but unfortunately, that quarantine period can take up to eight weeks,” Sampson Davis, a New Jersey based emergency medicine physician told the New York Post.
“The virus usually has a quick onset, but it can linger up to about eight weeks before it has an impact,” he continued.
Around 150 passengers are believed to remain onboard. While it is still unclear where the ship may be permitted to dock, Davis added that if disembarkation becomes possible, authorities should “take them to a quarantine facility on land”.
Hantavirus refers to a family of viruses typically associated with rodents, though there has been no indication of rodents on the ship. The strain detected during the voyage is reported to be a rare type that can spread from person to person.
Even so, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said the broader public health threat “remains low”.
Meanwhile, a travel influencer on the ship has shared an update on the situation. Jake Rosmarin posted an Instagram video addressing the ongoing uncertainty onboard.
Speaking to the camera, he said: “There’s a lot of uncertainty, and that’s the hardest part. All we want now is to feel safe, have clarity, and to get home.” He added that he would provide further updates when possible.
Rosmarin also expressed appreciation for the ship’s staff, writing in the caption of his reel: “I also want to acknowledge that Oceanwide Expeditions and the entire crew onboard have been handling this situation to the best of their ability, and I’m very grateful for their efforts throughout.”
Supportive messages followed in the comments, including one that read: “I’m praying for you Jake and everyone aboard the ship!”