“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.”

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 said.