Canary Islands rejects hantavirus-hit cruise ship's plans to dock as three people evacuated

Spain says MV Hondius will be received in Canary Islands and passengers and crew treated before repatriation

The crew member is being prepared for medical evacuation from the MV Hondius along with a Dutch colleague, with Dutch authorities overseeing the operation. Picture: Oceanwide Expeditions via AP

The regional government of the Canary Islands said it is opposed to allowing a luxury cruise ship that has been hit by the outbreak of the deadly hantavirus to dock on the archipelago, its leader, Fernando Clavijo, said.

“This decision is not based on any technical criteria, nor is there sufficient information to reassure the public or guarantee their safety,” Clavijo told radio station COPE, as reported by Reuters.