Irish Government Sends Aircraft to Tenerife for Passenger Evacuation
An Irish Air Corps plane has been deployed to Tenerife by the Irish government to repatriate two Irish citizens who were aboard the MV Hondius, a ship affected by an outbreak of hantavirus.
The Irish Department of Health confirmed that the aircraft will conduct an "aeromedical evacuation" of the passengers.
Health Status and Disembarkation Process Underway
The MV Hondius docked in Tenerife on Sunday morning. Spanish authorities have verified that the assessment of the passengers' current health status and the disembarkation process are ongoing and progressing well.
The two Irish passengers are reported to be in good health and have been adhering to isolation protocols.
The Department of Health stated that the repatriation plans were established by the Irish government to transfer the two Irish passengers directly from Tenerife to Ireland on Sunday, contingent upon their health status at the time of disembarkation.
Other Passengers and Evacuation Plans
Passengers from Spain and France have already disembarked the vessel and returned to their home countries by flight, where they are currently under quarantine.
In addition to the Irish passengers, individuals from Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States are also scheduled to be evacuated later today.
The Department of Health emphasized that the return of the passengers has been "carefully planned and guided by public health authorities to ensure safety for everyone—these measures protect communities while respecting the dignity and well-being of those returning home."
Outbreak Impact and Quarantine Measures
Three fatalities have been reported in the outbreak on the Dutch vessel, including two confirmed cases involving hantavirus.
The cruise passengers face the prospect of self-isolation after leaving Tenerife, a challenging situation given that the virus has an incubation period of up to nine weeks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a 42-day quarantine period for cruise passengers from their last exposure.
Medical Assistance on Tristan da Cunha
Earlier, British Army medics parachuted onto the remote Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha to assist a British national with suspected hantavirus infection.
The individual departed the MV Hondius in mid-April at Tristan da Cunha, the most remote inhabited British overseas territory, where he resides.
He first exhibited symptoms two weeks after leaving the vessel and is reported to be in stable condition while isolating.
Oxygen supplies were also delivered by an RAF A400M aircraft on Saturday, as supplies on the island were at a "critical level," according to the Ministry of Defence.
