Two Indians on hantavirus-hit ship evacuated to Netherlands

Amid heightened global concerns over a suspected hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch expedition vessel MV Hondius, two Indian nationals serving as crew members were evacuated to the Netherlands for quarantine after the ship arrived off Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands on Sunday.

The Indian Embassy in Madrid confirmed that the two Indians were “healthy and asymptomatic” even as Spanish authorities enforced strict international health protocol following the vessel’s arrival with nearly 150 passengers and crew aboard.

The ship had anchored off the Canary Islands after concerns emerged over a possible hantavirus exposure during the voyage, triggering coordinated emergency measures by Spanish health authorities and the WHO. All passengers were allowed to disembark in line with established health procedures The Indian Embassy said it was in touch with Spanish authorities and the crew members to ensure their safety.