The MV Hondius, at the centre of the hantavirus outbreak, docked in Tenerife in the Canary Islands on Sunday
A military aircraft has been dispatched to repatriate two Irish nationals stranded aboard a virus-stricken cruise ship, the republic’s Department of Health has confirmed.
The MV Hondius, at the centre of a hantavirus outbreak, docked in Tenerife in the Canary Islands on Sunday morning. Later that day, an Air Corps aircraft departed from Baldonell Aerodrome, a military air base in west Co Dublin, bound for the island.
The aircraft has been deployed to conduct “an aeromedical evacuation” of the two Irish citizens, who are reported to have been adhering to isolation protocols aboard the vessel and are said to be in “good health”.
Subject to their medical condition, the pair are due to return to Ireland on Sunday aboard the Air Corps aircraft, accompanied by Health Service Executive (HSE) medical personnel.
Upon arrival back in Ireland, they will be transferred to an HSE facility where they will be closely monitored throughout their quarantine period, in line with international health guidelines, reports the Irish Mirror.
On Saturday, a Department of Health spokesperson stated: “If they become symptomatic, they will be assessed and treated as appropriate.”
In an official statement, the department added: “The return of passengers and crew from MV Hondius has been carefully planned and guided by public health authorities to ensure safety for everyone – these measures protect communities while respecting the dignity and wellbeing of those returning home.”
Spanish authorities have confirmed that the health of all passengers is currently being assessed and that the disembarkation process is “proceeding well”.
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