Three evacuated from hantavirus cruise ship as Spain says vessel will dock in Canary Islands despite objection – as it happened

From 6 May 2026Virus-hit cruise ship latest - catch-upIf you’re just catching up with our coverage, here is our early afternoon story with all the latest on the virus-hit ship.This aerial view shows health personnel assisting patients on to a boat from the cruise ship MV Hondius. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

Three people with suspected hantavirus, including a British doctor, have been medically evacuated from the cruise ship linked to the outbreak.

The evacuation means the ship, with close to 150 people on board, can now continue on its three-day journey to the Canary Islands after Spanish authorities gave permission for the vessel to dock.

Since the start of the outbreak, the WHO has emphasised that the risk to the public is low.

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