Starmer said, “My thoughts are with those affected by the hantavirus outbreak on board the MV Hondius. We are working closely with international partners to support British nationals on board and we are making plans for their safe onward journey.”
He said the risk to the wider public is “very low” and stressed that “protecting the British people is our number one priority.”
The statement came after at least three people aboard the luxury expedition ship died and several others fell seriously ill, triggering an international health response involving Dutch, South African and other authorities.
According to reports, the outbreak emerged on the MV Hondius during a voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde, with the World Health Organization confirming at least one positive hantavirus case and several suspected infections still under investigation.
The first victim, a 70-year-old Dutch passenger, reportedly became seriously ill during the voyage and died after the ship reached water near the island of St. Helena.
His 69-year-old wife later died in a Johannesburg hospital after being medically evacuated.
A third death has also been linked to the outbreak, while a 69-year-old British traveler remains in intensive care in Johannesburg. Two crew members are also receiving immediate medical attention as monitoring continues on the ship.
An American travel blogger on board the ship described growing fear and uncertainty among passengers. “At the moment it feels very real and deeply uncertain,” the blogger said, adding that passengers were struggling with isolation and delays in medical evacuation as the situation unfolded at sea.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal rodent-borne disease, usually spread by contact with infected rodents or contaminated environments.
It can cause serious respiratory complications, with initial symptoms being flu-like before progressing rapidly in severe cases.
The MV Hondius, carrying about 150 passengers and crew, is currently docked off Cape Verde after authorities have not allowed it to dock due to public health concerns.
