Granadilla Port is preparing for Hantavirus Cruise Ship arrival
Authorities in Tenerife are preparing for the arrival of the cruise ship MV Hondius, which is now scheduled to reach the island early tomorrow morning (Sunday) following a reported hantavirus outbreak on board.
Officers from the Guardia Civil and staff from the Port Authorities de Santa Cruz de Tenerife began setting up security and coordination measures on Friday at the Puerto de Granadilla, in the south of the island.
Temporary security cabins, medical tents, and a command centre have already been installed at the port as preparations intensify. The ship is carrying 144 people, including 14 Spanish nationals.
Arrival expected early Sunday
The MV Hondius, travelling from Cape Verde, is currently en route to Tenerife. The vessel is expected to reach waters off the island between 3am and 5am on tomorrow morning, Sunday, although some maritime tracking estimates suggest arrival could be later.
According to the Canary Islands Government, the vessel will anchor near the port but will not dock at the quay itself. Regional officials have clarified that the anchoring operation will take place inside the port area rather than offshore, where wind and sea depth conditions could make manoeuvring more difficult.
Tight security and restricted access
Access to Granadilla Port will be restricted with emergency protocols in place while evacuation and repatriation procedures are carried out. Authorities are aiming to complete operations as quickly and safely as possible.
The Canary Islands Government has called for maximum coordination between emergency services and port authorities to ensure the ship can depart again before Tuesday. Weather and sea conditions are forecast to worsen from that day onwards, potentially complicating further operations.
Media presence at the port has been significant, with journalists from Spain and several other European countries gathering to cover developments.
The situation remains under close monitoring as Tenerife prepares to receive the vessel under strict health and security protocols.
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