Martin Anstee, a British expedition guide, was evacuated from the MV Hondius
A British man evacuated from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship has spoken out about his experiences on the stricken liner. Martin Anstee, who was removed from the MV Hondius, has revealed to Sky News he was “doing okay” but remains uncertain about the length of his hospital stay.
The 56 year old said: “I’m doing okay. I’m not feeling too bad. There are still lots of tests to be done.
“I have no idea how long I’ll be in the hospital for. I’m in isolation at the moment.”
Mr Anstee served as an expedition guide aboard the Dutch-flagged vessel. He was airlifted out this morning alongside two other individuals, reports the Mirror.
Two further people who travelled back to the UK independently from the cruise have also been instructed to self-isolate, according to the UK Health Security Agency, which stressed that “the risk to general public remains very low”.
The World Health Organisation has reported that confirmed hantavirus cases have now reached five. The findings, verified through laboratory testing, include two passengers airlifted today.
Previously, there were three confirmed cases and five suspected ones, with three fatalities recorded. The total case count of eight is believed to remain unchanged, with laboratory results confirming hantavirus presence in cases that were previously under suspicion.
Nevertheless, Spanish health minister Monica Garcia has stated that all passengers currently aboard the MV Hondius show no symptoms. The vessel will now proceed to the Canary Islands where travellers will undergo screening for infection indicators before being sent home if they’re found to be in good health.
In a statement published online, Spanish health officials confirmed that the ship is anticipated to dock within 72 to 96 hours.
Authorities explained that passengers will disembark in a “controlled” manner with “direct transfer from the port to the airport and subsequent return to their countries of origin, avoiding at all times transit through spaces open to the general population”.
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