In images: the evacuation of passengers from the cruise affected by the hantavirus in Spain
The ship anchored in Spanish waters the morning of this Sunday
The first images of the MV Hondius's evacuation, the cruise affected by a hantavirus outbreak, have already circled the world.
A month after one of its passengers died due to the rare Andean strain, the boat anchored Spanish waters at early morning this Sunday.
The ship is anchored near the port of Granadilla, in Tenerife.
The operation to evacuate the more than 100 passengers who still remained on the ship has been rated by the authorities as “unprecedented”.
Spain and the World Health Organization have strengthened security and health measures and have transmitted tranquility to the local population.
The Minister of Health, Mónica García, stated that the operation “was carried out normally” and that all the passengers onboard the MS Hondius remained asymptomatic.
Early in the morning, with a telephoto lens, passengers could be seen wandering around the deck of the ship or by the windows, all wearing white medical masks, while the first evacuation was being carried out.
Several passengers remained seated, maintaining social distance, on the first evacuation boat, filming and taking photos as they approached land, where they were greeted by officials in white protective suits.
*With additional information from Sarah Rainsford.
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