Massive demonstrations have erupted in Tenerife as port workers and residents voice their opposition to the impending arrival of a cruise ship carrying passengers and crew infected with the hantavirus. Spanish authorities are making arrangements to receive over 140 individuals aboard the hantavirus-affected vessel, set to dock in the Canary Islands where precautionary evacuations will be conducted.
The ship, MV Hondius, is scheduled to arrive in Tenerife over the weekend without any current reports of symptomatic passengers or crew, as confirmed by the cruise company, Oceanwide Expeditions. Despite this assurance, local residents are expressing concerns about the potential spread of the virus within the community and are critical of the decision to allow the ship to stop in Tenerife.
While officials in Madrid emphasize the need to assist those on board citing moral and legal obligations, protesters in the Canary Islands have taken to the streets with signs reading “unsafe port” and “for work no, for the risk yes,” conveying their discontent to the authorities. The Tenerife Port Authority has outlined a plan to transfer passengers in stages using small boats and road transport for onward air travel to their respective countries.
However, attempts to pacify the situation by the Port Authority have had little effect, with protesters insisting that safety should not be negotiable. The Platform for the Port of Tenerife, a union representing dock workers, has threatened to block the ship’s entry unless adequate safety assurances are provided. Local sentiment reflects a deep sense of frustration, with individuals expressing feelings of neglect and likening the situation to past experiences with the Covid pandemic.
The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that British citizens aboard the ship are currently symptom-free but under close observation. The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife as per updates from the Spanish health ministry, with UK Government personnel ready to support British nationals during disembarkation and provide transport back to the UK for those unaffected by the hantavirus.
Efforts are underway to organize a repatriation flight for passengers and crew, with stringent infection control measures in place. Health experts from the UKHSA and NHS will monitor passengers throughout the flight to ensure their well-being and address any potential health issues.