The cruise ship MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, remains stranded off the coast of Cape Verde following a suspected hantavirus outbreak onboard. Multiple outlets report that three passengers have died and that several others are ill, with symptoms described as ranging from mild illness to more serious conditions. The World Health Organization is cited as saying the total number of reported cases has risen to seven, including those who died, one critically ill patient, and others reporting mild symptoms.

Two crew members—one British and one Dutch—are still onboard and are reported to need urgent medical care. The operator says the ship is waiting for permission from local authorities in Cape Verde to evacuate passengers and crew. Some reports note that the ship has not received clearance to disembark, leaving around 150 people stranded at sea.

European coverage adds that Spain is expected to receive the ship once it is cleared to move, with the vessel possibly heading toward the Canary Islands. Overall, authorities and the operator continue coordinating amid health concerns and delays tied to obtaining approval for evacuation and medical response.