The Hondius will be able to resume sailing. Rotterdam health authorities announced on Saturday that they had lifted the remaining restrictions on Oceanwide Expeditions’ expedition vessel, following a final inspection conducted after a wide-scale operation of cleaning and disinfection.
« From a public health standpoint, there are no obstacles to putting the Hondius into service », said the Rotterdam Municipal Health Agency. The appointed experts judged that the cleaning and disinfection had been carried out in accordance with established protocols.
The vessel must now resume its cruise program from June 13, in line with the schedule announced by Oceanwide Expeditions.
« From a public health standpoint, there are no obstacles to putting the Hondius into service », said the Rotterdam Municipal Health Agency. The appointed experts judged that the cleaning and disinfection had been carried out in accordance with established protocols.
The vessel must now resume its cruise program from June 13, in line with the schedule announced by Oceanwide Expeditions.
Hondius: an unprecedented crisis
The Hondius had found itself at the heart of a major health crisis following the emergence of an hantavirus outbreak during a cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Cape Verde archipelago.
According to the latest data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), 13 confirmed or probable cases have been recorded, including three deaths.
In response to the gravity of the situation, passengers were evacuated to Tenerife before being repatriated to their respective countries. The ship subsequently joined Rotterdam on May 18, while the remaining crew was placed in quarantine.
In a lengthy statement published on May 19, Oceanwide Expeditions CEO Rémi Bouysset described the incident as “one of the most difficult situations in the company’s history.”
According to the latest data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), 13 confirmed or probable cases have been recorded, including three deaths.
In response to the gravity of the situation, passengers were evacuated to Tenerife before being repatriated to their respective countries. The ship subsequently joined Rotterdam on May 18, while the remaining crew was placed in quarantine.
In a lengthy statement published on May 19, Oceanwide Expeditions CEO Rémi Bouysset described the incident as “one of the most difficult situations in the company’s history.”
A virus very likely contracted before embarkation
The leader notes that the information gathered so far suggests that the virus was contracted before boarding and did not originate from the ship itself. According to the company, no signs of rodents or pests were detected aboard despite inspections conducted during the voyage.
“We are now in the phase of resuming operations”, states Rémi Bouysset, who assures that the ship will resume its activity “with the highest possible safety and operational preparedness standards.”
The company also emphasizes that it remains “financially solid” despite the consequences of this episode.
“We remain resilient, focused, and financially solid. Since our creation in 1993, we have weathered difficult periods, always staying true to our values: serious operations, expeditions aboard small ships, an experienced crew, and a long-term vision.”
“We are now in the phase of resuming operations”, states Rémi Bouysset, who assures that the ship will resume its activity “with the highest possible safety and operational preparedness standards.”
The company also emphasizes that it remains “financially solid” despite the consequences of this episode.
“We remain resilient, focused, and financially solid. Since our creation in 1993, we have weathered difficult periods, always staying true to our values: serious operations, expeditions aboard small ships, an experienced crew, and a long-term vision.”
