The MV Hondius departed the Canary Islands after a deadly hantavirus outbreak, leaving a reduced crew to sail to Rotterdam for disinfection. The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, evacuated 150 passengers and most crew, with the last flights leaving Monday.

Three passengers have died since the ship left Argentina in April, and at least seven others fell ill. Health officials are monitoring all evacuees for symptoms over coming weeks, tracing potential exposures to contain the rare rodent-borne virus.

Oceanwide Expeditions stated the vessel will take on supplies before its five-day journey to Rotterdam. Spain's interior minister confirmed the ship will undergo full disinfection upon arrival. A Spanish passenger remained hospitalized in Madrid.

The outbreak forces a comprehensive decontamination of the expedition vessel and raises questions about health protocols for remote cruises. The operator's swift evacuation and planned disinfection aim to restore confidence and prevent further transmission.