RENNES, France — As the MV Hondius navigated a deadly outbreak of the rare hantavirus in the Atlantic, the resilience and professionalism of its Filipino crew members have become a beacon of hope for the passengers on board.
In reports published on May 9, 2026, passengers specifically lauded the 38 Filipino crew members—who make up the majority of the ship’s staff—for their “top-notch” service and for maintaining a sense of normalcy during a high-stakes international health emergency.
The Dutch-flagged vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was traveling from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde when a cluster of severe respiratory illnesses emerged.
- Casualties: The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that three passengers have died from the virus.
- The Virus: Hantavirus is typically a rodent-borne illness, but health experts are investigating a rare strain on the ship that may be capable of human-to-human transmission.
- Containment: The ship, carrying 147 people from 23 nationalities, was held off the coast of Cape Verde for days as medical teams in hazmat suits conducted offshore assessments.
Despite the fear of a burgeoning epidemic, French passengers Julia and Roland Seitre—both trained veterinarians—shared that the atmosphere on board remained calm, largely due to the efforts of the crew.
“There is no panic on board… Life is nearly normal,” the couple stated. They specifically praised the “top-notch” Filipino crew for their dedication and professionalism while managing social distancing protocols and meal services under quarantine conditions.
Current Status of Filipino Crew:
- Health Report: As of May 9, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that none of the 38 Filipino crew members have shown symptoms of the virus.
- Safety: They are currently under strict monitoring by the ship’s doctor and international health agencies.
After being cleared by Cape Verdean authorities for transit, the MV Hondius is expected to arrive in Tenerife, Spain, on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
- Disembarkation: All passengers will undergo final medical screening upon arrival.
- Repatriation: Special flights have been arranged to return passengers to their home countries.
- Crew Status: DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the repatriation of the Filipino crew will depend on further medical clearances. “Their safe repatriation is being worked out, but we must abide by global protocols,” Cacdac noted.
The heroism of the Filipino seafarers underscores their reputation as the “backbone” of the global cruise industry, particularly during moments of crisis where their composure often prevents mass panic.