WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Updates on Passengers & Crew Disembarking From MV Hondius in Tenerife

Why It Matters

The low‑risk declaration reassures travelers and enables ports to operate normally, mitigating economic disruption while maintaining public health vigilance.

Key Takeaways

• Operation began early, coordinated with Spanish authorities and health teams
• Passengers and crew assessed by health officials; no symptoms detected
• Disembarkation started at 9:30 a.m.; flight to Madrid departed
• WHO declares virus risk low, not comparable to COVID
• Epidemiologists continue monitoring passengers to ensure public safety

Summary

WHO Director‑General Dr Tedros briefed the media on the safe disembarkation of passengers and crew from the MV Hondius, which docked in Tenerife early Tuesday morning.

The operation, launched at 6:30 a.m., was coordinated with Spanish health authorities. By 7:30 a health ministry official boarded the vessel to screen passengers, and at 9:30 a.m. the first Spanish nationals began to leave the ship. A flight to Madrid departed shortly thereafter. Epidemiologists on board reported no symptomatic cases among passengers or crew.

Dr Tedros emphasized that “this is not another COVID” and that “the risk to the public is low,” citing the virus’s known behavior over several years. Continuous monitoring by epidemiologists was highlighted as a safeguard against any unexpected developments.

The low‑risk assessment aims to reassure travelers and local communities, allowing ports to resume operations without stringent quarantine measures. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of rapid, coordinated health responses in managing maritime incidents.

Original Description

Most passengers and crew of the MV Hondius cruise ship successfully disembarked on the 10th of May 2026. The World Health Organization continues to work closely with experts in all involved countries, as coordination remains key to keeping passengers, crew, responders and communities healthy and safe.

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