The polar expedition cruise ship MV Hondius departed Tenerife on Monday for the Netherlands after the final group of passengers and several crew members were evacuated amid an outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus onboard.

The vessel briefly docked at the Spanish port of Granadilla de Abona, where the remaining six passengers — including four Australians, one British resident of Australia, and one New Zealander — disembarked alongside 19 crew members and two doctors. Authorities later confirmed that the passengers were transferred to flights bound for the Netherlands before continuing onward to their home countries.

Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia described the evacuation as a successful multinational operation, saying officials had completed one of the most complex maritime health responses in recent years.

The ship, which began its voyage from southern Argentina 41 days ago, became the center of international concern after several passengers developed severe respiratory symptoms linked to the rare Andes strain of hantavirus. The outbreak has so far resulted in three deaths, including a Dutch couple and a German national.

Health authorities and the World Health Organization have confirmed multiple infections connected to the ship, while additional suspected cases remain under investigation across several countries.

Unlike most hantavirus strains, which are typically transmitted through exposure to infected rodents, the Andes variant is capable of limited person-to-person transmission through close contact. Despite growing global attention, health officials insist the risk to the general public remains low.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the situation is under control and said experts do not expect the outbreak to evolve into a wider global health emergency.

Authorities also acknowledged the psychological strain faced by passengers who endured weeks of quarantine onboard. According to WHO officials, some travelers reportedly experienced severe emotional distress and mental breakdowns during the prolonged isolation at sea.

The remaining crew aboard the MV Hondius will complete quarantine procedures in the Netherlands under medical supervision.

The outbreak has prompted renewed discussions among international health agencies regarding emergency protocols for infectious diseases on cruise ships, particularly on long-distance expedition voyages operating far from major medical facilities.

Officials from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reiterated that hantavirus is well understood by health experts and that containment measures currently in place are considered effective.

As investigations continue, passengers repatriated from the ship are expected to remain under observation in their respective countries for the WHO-recommended 42-day monitoring period.