‘It was EXTREMELY CHALLENGING…’: Hantavirus-hit ship captain breaks silence on virus outbreak chaos

A Hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has triggered a global health alert after multiple passengers developed severe respiratory illnesses during the voyage. The ship, carrying 147 passengers and crew from 23 countries, is now anchored near Tenerife as evacuations continue and the WHO recommends a 42-day quarantine. Captain Jan Dobrogowski described the crisis as 'extremely challenging' and praised the crew’s courage and resilience during the outbreak.