SCHIPHOL, Netherlands — In a major step toward resolving a month-long maritime health crisis, 24 of the 38 Filipino crew members from the hantavirus-hit vessel MV Sky Fortune were successfully repatriated to the Philippines on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
The seafarers were greeted at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport by Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Eduardo Malaya and labor attaché Aisheline Liwanag, following their clearance from a mandatory 30-day quarantine at the Port of Rotterdam.
The MV Sky Fortune, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier, became the center of an international health alert in early April 2026 after a rare outbreak of hantavirus—a disease typically spread by rodents—was detected on board.
- April 10: The ship arrived at the Port of Rotterdam from China. Upon docking, several crew members reported severe symptoms, including high fever and kidney complications.
- Medical Emergency: One 33-year-old Filipino seafarer tragically passed away at an Erasmus Medical Center facility shortly after arrival. Two others were hospitalized in critical condition but have since stabilized.
- Quarantine Protocol: Dutch health authorities placed the entire 38-man crew under a strict 30-day “vessel quarantine” while the ship underwent professional fumigation and deep cleaning to eradicate a reported rat infestation in the storage areas.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) coordinated the return of the seafarers.
- Phase One: The 24 crew members who flew out on Sunday were those cleared with negative blood tests and no lingering symptoms.
- Phase Two: The remaining 14 crew members remain in the Netherlands. This group includes:
- The two seafarers still recovering in the hospital.
- A “skeleton crew” required by maritime law to stay on board for the ship’s maintenance and safety.
- Support Package: DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed that each returning seafarer will receive ₱50,000 in financial assistance, along with post-repatriation health monitoring and psychological counseling.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe respiratory disease. While human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, it is highly dangerous when contracted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, fever, muscle aches, followed by shortness of breath and fluid in the lungs.
- Maritime Risk: The DFA has issued a memo to Philippine manning agencies to ensure stricter “rat-proofing” and sanitary inspections for vessels arriving from regions with known rodent problems.
The Dutch Labor Inspectorate and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) are currently investigating the ship’s operator for potential negligence regarding sanitary conditions on board. Ambassador Malaya assured the public that the Philippine government is providing full legal assistance to the family of the deceased seafarer to pursue compensation claims.
The repatriated crew is expected to arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on the afternoon of Monday, May 11, 2026.