Passengers and crew evacuated from the virus-hit MV Hondius have arrived in Eindhoven following a deadly hantavirus outbreak onboard the vessel.
Two evacuation flights carrying the final six passengers and around 19 crew members landed after a major international emergency response operation coordinated by multiple countries and health agencies.
Video from the airport showed survivors wearing protective clothing as they disembarked and were escorted across the tarmac before entering quarantine and medical monitoring procedures.
Authorities say the outbreak has already claimed three lives, including a Dutch couple and a German national, after infections spread during the ship’s 41-day voyage that began in southern Argentina.
Health officials confirmed that 94 people have now been evacuated and repatriated since the first positive hantavirus case was detected more than a week ago.
The incident has drawn international attention because hantavirus infections are rare, and concerns have grown over reports of possible person-to-person transmission linked to the outbreak.
Medical teams continue testing and monitoring passengers and crew members while authorities investigate how the virus spread onboard the vessel.
Experts stress that widespread public risk remains low, but the outbreak has renewed debate over cruise ship health safety and emergency preparedness.
As quarantine and surveillance measures continue, health agencies remain focused on preventing further infections and reassuring the public.
