United Kingdom has confirmed the safe return of all remaining British nationals aboard the MV Hondius, marking a critical phase in the international response to the cruise ship health incident, as passengers are now under close medical supervision at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral.

The repatriation, carried out in coordination with international and domestic health partners, has brought 20 British citizens, alongside one German national who is a UK resident and one Japanese passenger, back under National Health Service (NHS) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) care following the containment operation linked to a hantavirus outbreak on the vessel.

Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, indicated, “We are pleased to confirm that all British nationals onboard the MV Hondius have now safely returned to the UK and are being supported by UKHSA and NHS medical experts at Arrowe Park, who have worked at pace to prepare for the safe arrival of passengers at the facility.”

“Staff at Arrowe Park have once again demonstrated their commitment and professionalism in responding rapidly to a health emergency, and we are very grateful.
“Throughout this incident, we have worked closely with government departments including FCDO, DHSC, MHCLG and MOD alongside international partners to support the safe repatriation of British passengers. The safety and wellbeing of those passengers remains our priority.”
Professor Robin May

According to the UK government, the transferred group is now entering a closely monitored 72-hour assessment period at the designated isolation facility, where infectious disease specialists and public health experts will conduct detailed clinical evaluations, testing, and continuous observation.

Authorities have confirmed that, although none of the passengers are currently showing symptoms, the precautionary measures are necessary due to the nature of exposure risks associated with the outbreak that occurred while the vessel was at sea.

The UK Government also confirmed that the Japanese passenger was repatriated at the request of the Japanese Government and will complete the isolation period in the United Kingdom under UKHSA guidance.

Throughout the transfer process, strict infection control protocols were maintained, with passengers, crew members, transport personnel, and medical teams all required to wear personal protective equipment, including face masks. The measures were maintained from disembarkation through transport and arrival at the hospital facility, ensuring minimal risk of potential transmission during movement.

Within Arrowe Park Hospital, UKHSA specialists and NHS infectious disease teams will assess the passengers’ condition over the initial 72-hour observation period.

Following this assessment, authorities will determine appropriate isolation arrangements for each individual, with current guidance indicating that passengers may be required to isolate for up to 45 days, depending on risk evaluation and clinical findings.

Moreover, a structured support system has also been put in place to ensure continuous monitoring and welfare checks. UKHSA health protection teams will maintain daily contact with all individuals in isolation, offering both medical oversight and well-being support throughout the quarantine period.

UKHSA has also expanded its response beyond the returning passengers, working with public health authorities across devolved administrations and UK Overseas Territories to trace individuals who may have had high-risk contact with confirmed or suspected cases linked to the vessel.

Public Health Minister, Sharon Hodgson, expressed her appreciation to everyone involved in bringing the British nationals back home, as well as the NHS staff currently caring for them at Arrowe Park Hospital, saying their commitment and professionalism reflect the NHS at its highest standard.

“None of the passengers are symptomatic, but we will monitor them closely over the next 72 hours at the hospital, as part of a precautionary isolation period. With no cases or symptoms among them and our stringent monitoring and isolation measures, the risk to the public remains extremely low.”
Sharon Hodgson

Strict Repatriation Protocols Enforced as WHO Coordinates MV Hondius Evacuation

Earlier, a carefully coordinated evacuation operation began aboard the MV Hondius as Spanish health authorities, working alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), initiated the staged disembarkation of passengers and crew under strict international health protocols.

According to WHO’s health operations lead in Tenerife, Diana Rojas Alvarez, the first groups to disembark included passengers and crew from Spain, France, Canada, and the Netherlands. “It has been extremely intense, but also very well organized,” she added during a WHO media briefing.

Maria van Kerkhove, WHO Director for Epidemic and Pandemic Management, also indicated that passengers will remain under active health monitoring for up to six weeks because of the virus’s incubation period.

“Our recommendation is for active follow-up, which means daily monitoring, checking for fever or other symptoms. This is really a cautionary approach to make sure that we don’t have any opportunities for this virus to pass from others. “
Maria van Kerkhove