Spain has announced it will take in passengers from the MV Hondius within three to four days after the cruise ship, where hantavirus cases were detected, spent two days moored off Cape Verde.
Three passengers have died and several others are suspected of having the virus. Spanish authorities said the ship will be allowed to dock in the Canary Islands, but did not name which port.
“Once there, the crew and passengers will be duly examined, cared for, and transferred to their respective countries,” the Spanish Health Ministry said late on Tuesday.
Madrid said the decision follows international law and humanitarian principles. The ministry added that the World Health Organization had informed Spanish officials that Cape Verde could not carry out the required evacuations and that the Canary Islands are the nearest location with the necessary medical and logistical capabilities. The ministry also cited a moral and legal obligation to assist, noting that several of those aboard are Spanish citizens.
The WHO said medical evacuation plans were underway. Its representative in Cape Verde told the AFP news agency that, after evacuations are completed, the ship could resume its journey to the Netherlands.