The last two evacuation flights carrying passengers and crew from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius landed at Eindhoven Air Base in the Netherlands on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, marking the end of a complex international repatriation operation. The arrivals were confirmed by the Dutch Foreign Ministry, which coordinated one of the two flights.

How the Evacuation Unfolded

The first flight, operated by Australian authorities, carried six passengers and touched down at approximately 12:30 am local time (2330 GMT on Monday). The six individuals on board are expected to continue onward to Australia. A second, Dutch-organised flight landed roughly 15 minutes later, transporting 22 crew members — including one Dutch national and 21 individuals of other nationalities — from the luxury expedition vessel.

Medical Screening and Quarantine Measures

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) confirmed on Sunday that all repatriated passengers would undergo thorough medical screening upon arrival. A sample is being taken from every individual at the airport for laboratory testing. For crew members and foreign passengers unable to immediately return home, a dedicated quarantine hotel has been arranged, according to officials.

MV Hondius Departs Tenerife for Rotterdam

Oceanwide Expeditions, the Dutch operator of MV Hondius, said in a statement on Monday that the vessel has departed the Spanish island of Tenerife and is now en route to Rotterdam. The journey is expected to take approximately six days, with a provisional arrival scheduled for Sunday, 18 May 2025.

What Is Hantavirus and Why It Is Dangerous

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and are occasionally transmitted to humans, often with severe and potentially fatal outcomes. In the Americas, infection is known to cause Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS), a rapidly progressive condition affecting the lungs and heart. In Europe and Asia, the virus has been linked to Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which primarily affects the kidneys and blood vessels.

Transmission occurs through contact with the contaminated urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. Rodent bites can also cause infection, though less commonly. Activities such as cleaning enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, farming, forestry work, and sleeping in rodent-infested dwellings significantly increase exposure risk.

Treatment and Prevention

There is currently no specific cure for hantavirus diseases. Early supportive medical care — focused on close clinical monitoring and management of respiratory, cardiac, and kidney complications — remains the primary approach to improving survival. Prevention depends largely on reducing contact between people and infected rodents.

With the vessel now sailing toward Rotterdam and all passengers accounted for, health authorities will continue monitoring those repatriated over the coming days for any signs of infection.