The cruise ship MV Hondius, which has recorded an outbreak of hantavirus on board, has arrived off the coast of Tenerife, Spain, and stopped near the port of Granadilla de Abona. This was reported by local media and AFP, according to UNN.
Details
The vessel will not enter the port directly and will remain at sea. Medical and military vessels are on standby near the liner.
AFP journalists reported that tents have been set up in the port to receive passengers, and part of the territory has been cordoned off by the Spanish Civil Guard.
Passengers being prepared for evacuation
According to the shipping company, the disembarkation of passengers is planned to begin around 09:00 Kyiv time.
Before evacuation, Spanish medics are conducting testing of the passengers.
As reported by El Pais, repatriation may be delayed as it has not been possible to promptly organize flights home for all passengers. Some airlines, particularly Dutch ones, have already changed their routes and flight schedules.
The arrival of the liner has also sparked disputes between Spain's central government and the leadership of the Canary Islands. The head of the autonomous region, Fernando Clavijo, refused to allow the vessel to dock in the port.
It was previously reported that eight people fell ill on board the MV Hondius, three of whom have died.