“My thoughts are with those affected by the hantavirus outbreak on board the MV Hondius. We are working closely with our international partners to support British nationals on board and develop plans for their safe continued travel,” Starmer said.
He added that the risk to the wider public remained “very low” and stressed that “protecting the British people is our first priority.”
The announcement comes after at least three people died and several others became seriously ill aboard the luxury expedition ship, triggering an international health response from Dutch, South African and other authorities.
According to reports, an outbreak broke out on the MV Hondius during a voyage from Argentina to Cape Verde. The World Health Organization confirmed at least one positive case of hantavirus and several suspected cases of infection are still under investigation.
The first victim was a 70-year-old Dutch passenger who reportedly fell seriously ill during the journey and died after the ship reached the waters off St. Helena.
His 69-year-old wife later died after being medically evacuated from a Johannesburg hospital.
A third death was also linked to the outbreak, a 69-year-old British passenger who remains in intensive care in Johannesburg. Two crew members are also receiving emergency medical care as monitoring on board continues.
An American travel blogger on the ship described growing fear and uncertainty among passengers. “It feels very real and very uncertain right now,” the blogger said, adding that travelers were struggling with quarantines and medical evacuation delays as the situation at sea developed.
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal rodent-borne disease that is usually spread through contact with infected rodents or contaminated environments.
It can cause severe respiratory complications, with early symptoms similar to those of the flu and then rapidly escalating in severe cases.
The MV Hondius, carrying nearly 150 passengers and crew, is currently anchored near Cape Verde, with authorities refusing to allow it to dock due to public health concerns.
