The third person who died on a cruise ship dealing with a suspected hantavirus outbreak was a German national, a spokesperson for shipowner Oceanwide Expeditions said in a statement on Monday.

The ‌statement also said that hantavirus ‌had so far ‌only been confirmed in the case ⁠of a British man being treated in South Africa and that the ship, currently anchored ‌in front ​of Cape Verde, ‌was considering ⁠sailing to ⁠Las Palmas or Tenerife ‌for disembarkation.

Dutch authorities have agreed to organise efforts to repatriate two individuals on the cruise ship with symptoms of Hantavirus.

In a statement, Oceanwide Expeditions said: “Dutch authorities have agreed to lead a joint effort to organise the repatriation of the two symptomatic individuals on board MV Hondius from Cape Verde to the Netherlands.”

The Dutch foreign ministry said it was "busy looking at the possibilities to medically evacuate a few people from the ship”.

"If this can take place, the ministry of foreign affairs will coordinate it," a spokesperson told the AFP.

South Africa's health ministry said on Monday that two passengers have died and a British national was in critical condition after a Netherlands-based cruise ship was hit by a suspected outbreak of hantavirus.

The ship, ⁠carrying about 150 tourists from various countries, had departed Ushuaia, Southern Argentina, ‌for ​Canary Islands about ‌three ⁠weeks ago.

The World Health Organisation said on Monday that the risk posed by hantavirus to the wider public remained low after three people died and three fell ill after a Netherlands-based cruise ship was hit by a suspected outbreak of the rodent-borne virus. "

The risk to ⁠the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions," said ‌WHO regional ​director for Europe, ‌Dr Hans ⁠Henri P. ⁠Kluge, in a statement

The UN’s agency said at least one case of hantavirus has been confirmed.

How does hantavirus spread?

Infections are usually spread by infected rodents’ urine or faeces.

While it is rare, hantavirus can spread between people, according to the WHO.

The British national, aged 69, is in intensive care in Johannesburg and has tested positive for the virus, local officials said.

The South African health department said in a statement that the British national fell ill near Ascension Island, another remote island in the Atlantic, after the ship left Saint Helena and was transferred from there to South Africa.

Two crew members on board the MV Hondius are among those showing symptoms of hantavirus, Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed, as Cape Verdean authorities have yet to authorise their disembarkation or medical screening.

"The priority of Oceanwide Expeditions is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive adequate and expedited medical care," the company said.

Three people are already dead and one British national in intensive care in Johannesburg. Local health officials have visited the vessel to assess the two crew members but are yet to make a decision on transferring them to medical care in Cape Verde.

The operator of the MV Hondius, Oceanwide Expeditions, has released the following statement:

"Oceanwide Expeditions is currently managing a serious medical situation on board the vessel m/v Hondius, located off the coast of Cape Verde. During this voyage, three passengers have passed away. In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members on board require urgent medical care.

"As of 23:00 hrs CET on 3 May 2026, no authorization from Cape Verdean authorities has been given to disembark guests requiring medical care or to support with medical screening. Local health authorities have visited the vessel to assess the condition of the two symptomatic individuals. They are yet to make a decision regarding the transfer of these individuals into medical care in Cape Verde.

"The priority of Oceanwide Expeditions is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive adequate and expedited medical care. Dutch authorities have agreed to lead a joint effort in organizing the repatriation of the two symptomatic individuals on board m/v Hondius from Cape Verde to the Netherlands. The body of the deceased individual is also planned to be included in this repatriation, along with a guest closely associated with the deceased. This individual is not symptomatic.

"This repatriation depends on many factors, including the authorization and support of local Cape Verdean health authorities for the transfer of individuals requiring medical attention from m/v Hondius. We are in close contact with those directly affected and their families and are providing support where possible.

"The health and safety of all passengers and crew is our highest priority. Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including WHO, RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Disembarkation and medical screening of all guests require coordination with local health authorities, and we are in close consultation with them.

"We are currently establishing the full facts and working on appropriate medical care, screening, and next steps. We will provide a further update as soon as more information becomes available."

The Dutch cruise firm emerged from scientific voyages to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard by the Netherlands-based Plancius Foundation.

Oceanwide Expeditions started commercial operations in 1993. It is based in the Dutch port of Vlissingen (Flushing) and specialises in expedition voyages to the polar regions, with the slogan: “Explore the best of Antarctica and the Arctic.”

The fleet comprises three ice-strengthened ships: Hondius, Ortelius, and Plancius.

The company says: “Our expeditions attract independent travellers from around the globe who are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions.”

Passengers are typically aged between their 30s to their 80s. Most are between 45 and 65.

Oceanwide Expeditions sets out the procedure when passengers become unwell – which is largely concerned with Covid infections.

It says: “In event of passengers becoming unwell onboard we will follow a set protocol to keep that person and other guests, crew and staff safe and minimise potential spread of infections.

“Infected passengers (Covid or non) are recommended to stay in their cabins, have meals in their cabins and minimise contact with other passengers and crew. There is no requirement to go into isolation unless strictly indicated by a doctor or medical advisor.”