Three Dead After Suspected Virus Outbreak on Cruise Ship

Three people have died following a suspected outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise ship travelling in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

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Health officials said there has been one confirmed infection and five suspected cases linked to the incident. Among those affected is a 69-year-old British national who is currently receiving intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa. Local authorities have confirmed that he has contracted the virus.

Hantavirus is typically transmitted to humans through contact with rodent urine or faeces and can cause severe respiratory illness. Human-to-human transmission is rare.

The UK Foreign Office said it was aware of the situation and was monitoring developments while standing ready to assist British nationals if needed.

Outbreak reported aboard expedition vessel

The cases were reported on board the MV Hondius, a polar expedition cruise ship operated by tour company Oceanwide Expeditions.

According to the company’s published itinerary, the vessel departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on 20 March and was due to reach Cape Verde on 4 May.

The ship measures 107.6 metres (353 feet) in length and has capacity for 170 passengers across 80 cabins. It also carries 57 crew members, 13 guides and one onboard doctor.

South Africa’s health ministry said approximately 150 tourists from several countries were travelling on the vessel at the time the illness emerged.

Dutch couple among the dead

Before the WHO confirmed three fatalities, South African officials had reported at least two deaths linked to the suspected outbreak.

Foster Mohale, a spokesperson for the country’s health ministry, told the BBC that the first two victims were a Dutch couple.

The man, aged 70, developed symptoms including fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea while on board. He died shortly after the ship arrived at St Helena, a British territory in the South Atlantic.

His partner, aged 69, also became ill during the voyage. She was evacuated to South Africa but later died in hospital in Johannesburg.

Additional fatality and medical evacuations

A third passenger is also believed to have died while still on the ship, according to a source cited by the AFP news agency.

The source, speaking anonymously, said discussions were taking place over whether two other passengers who had fallen ill should be isolated in hospital once the ship reached Cape Verde.

Following the stop in Cape Verde, the vessel was expected to continue its journey to Spain’s Canary Islands.

WHO coordinating response

The World Health Organization said it was working with national authorities and the cruise operator to manage the situation.

This includes coordinating the medical evacuation of two passengers who are showing symptoms of illness, conducting a full public-health risk assessment, and providing support for those still on board the vessel.

Officials are continuing to monitor the situation as the ship proceeds on its planned route.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 4 May 2026