A Journey Turned Tragedy
For Boston-based travel influencer Jake Rosmarin, the journey across the South Atlantic Ocean from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde off the coast of Africa was meant to be the adventure of a lifetime. His destination: Tristan Da Cunha, a British Overseign Territory that holds the title of the most remote inhabited island in the world.
“This was easily one of the most exciting moments of the entire trip,” Rosmarin shared as he made his way to the isolated island. However, what began as an exhilarating voyage quickly turned into a nightmare.
Just days later, Rosmarin’s excitement was replaced with tears and uncertainty. “What’s happening right now is very real for all us here,” he said, speaking from aboard the MV Hondius, a ship that had become the center of a hantavirus outbreak.
The MV Hondius, part of the Oceanwide Expeditions’ cruise ship fleet, was on a 34-day voyage across the Atlantic Ocean carrying 147 passengers and crew. The ship made international headlines after an outbreak of hantavirus claimed the lives of three passengers.
“We’re not just a story, we’re not just headlines, we’re people,” Rosmarin said. “With people waiting for us at home.”
The Outbreak and Its Impact
According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), two cases had been substantiated in a laboratory setting, with another five suspected. One patient is critically ill, while three others are reporting mild symptoms.
“The outbreak is being managed through a coordinated international response, and includes in-depth investigations, case isolation and care, medical evacuation and laboratory investigations,” the WHO stated in a statement.
Ruhi Çenet, a Turkish content creator, travel blogger, and documentary filmmaker, was also aboard the MV Hondius but left the ship after the first death was announced. “When one of the passengers died during their month-long journey on the expedition vessel I honestly thought it was because of the rough ocean conditions,” Çenet said in a video posted to his Instagram.
“But it turns out the situation is much worse than we were told.” Çenet shared footage of an Oceanwide Expedition employee announcing one of the passengers “sadly passed away last night.”
“I’m told by the doctor we’re not infectious,” an unnamed employee said in the video. “The ship is safe when it comes to that.”
Çenet expressed his thoughts were still “with the people of the ship,” but he felt that Oceanwide Expeditions staff should have implemented quarantine measures sooner.
“I wish the vessels’ management had taken this problem more seriously from the very first step,” he said.
Response and Evacuation Plans
Cape Verde, where the voyage was originally meant to terminate, banned the MV Hondius from docking. However, the Spanish Health Ministry has announced it will accept the ship at the Canary Islands.
In a statement, Oceanwide Expeditions said three people would be evacuated to Cape Verde in specialized aircraft, to be transported to the Netherlands for further treatment. “Our plan is to proceed to the Canary Islands, either Gran Canaria or Tenerife, which will take 3 days of sailing,” the company said. “Discussions are ongoing with relevant authorities.”
Rosmarin, who is still on board, says “there’s a lot of uncertainty and that’s the hardest part.” “All we want now is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home.”
Ongoing Concerns and Calls for Transparency
As the situation continues to unfold, concerns about transparency and safety remain high among those on board. Passengers and their families are waiting for updates and reassurances about their well-being.
The incident has sparked discussions about health protocols on cruise ships and the importance of timely communication during outbreaks. With the ship heading towards the Canary Islands, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and health of all passengers and crew.
The MV Hondius saga serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel and the need for vigilance in maintaining public health standards. As the ship makes its way to its next destination, the hopes of those on board are centered on returning home safely and receiving the support they need.
