A boat beside cruise ship MV Hondius anchored off Cape Verde port, on the day sick passengers were evacuated by boat from the cruise ship, in Praia Port, Cape Verde, on May 5, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
“The regional government of Spain’s Canary Islands is opposed to allowing a luxury cruise ship that has been hit by an outbreak of the deadly hantavirusto dock on the archipelago,” its leader, Fernando Clavijo, said on Wednesday (May 6, 2026).
“This decision is not based on any technical criteria, nor is there sufficient information to reassure the public or guarantee their safety,” Mr. Clavijo told radio station COPE.
He added that he had requested an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to discuss the issue. Mr. Clavijo belongs to the conservative People’s Party – the main Opposition to Mr. Sanchez’s socialists.
Earlier on Wednesday (May 6, 2026), Spanish state broadcaster TVE reported the cruise ship was set to dock at the Canary island of Tenerife, citing sources from the country’s Health Ministry. The Ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters‘ requests for comment.
The Spanish Health Ministry confirmed on Tuesday (May 5, 2026) evening it would receive the MV Hondius in the Canary Islands “in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.”
“Once in the Canary Islands, medical teams would examine and treat all passengers and crew and transfer them to their countries,” a statement issued earlier said.
“The World Health Organization has explained that Cape Verde is unable to carry out this operation,” the Health Ministry said. “The Canary Islands are the closest location with the
necessary capabilities. Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are also several Spanish citizens.”
Published – May 06, 2026 12:40 pm IST
