After several days of tension with the Canary Islands' regional government over how to handle the cruise ship hit by multiple infections, Madrid now claims a political victory following the smooth disembarkation of most passengers on Sunday.

‘Unprecedented operation’ under way to receive MV Hondius off Tenerife to assess and repatriate those onboard

Spanish authorities on Friday were preparing to receive more than 140 passengers and crew members on board a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship headed for the Canary Islands.