Nearly 100 passengers have been evacuated from the cruise ship MV Hondius following a hantavirus outbreak near Spain’s Canary Islands.

Axar.az reports, citing Spanish media, that the evacuation operation began after the vessel anchored near Tenerife.

Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia stated that the operation was proceeding safely and under strict health protocols.

“The system is functioning normally and with all the necessary safety measures,” Garcia said.

According to reports, 94 passengers from 19 different countries were evacuated and repatriated on special flights to destinations including Spain, France, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkiye, and the United States.

Authorities confirmed that hantavirus was detected in eight people on board. Three passengers died, while another remains in critical condition at a hospital in Johannesburg.

Passengers were ordered to remain in their cabins to prevent further spread of the infection. Officials noted that the incubation period of hantavirus can last several weeks, making new cases difficult to detect quickly.

After the evacuation process is completed, the Dutch-flagged vessel is expected to head to Rotterdam for full disinfection procedures.