MADRID, May 10 — The final evacuation flight for occupants of a cruise ship struck by a deadly hantavirus outbreak that has sparked international alarm will leave the Canary Islands tomorrow, Spain's health minister said today.
The Dutch-flagged MV Hondius arrived at the small industrial port of Granadilla on Tenerife early today before the scheduled evacuation of passengers and some crew.
The Atlantic archipelago's regional authorities have consistently resisted taking in the ship, which has suffered three deaths and was only authorised to anchor offshore instead of docking in the port.
But all passengers are asymptomatic and were undergoing a final medical assessment before their disembarkation, Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia told reporters on Tenerife shortly before the operation was due to start.
"The last flight of the entire procedure is scheduled for tomorrow, which is the flight to Australia," she said.
The ship's 14 Spaniards would leave first, followed by a Dutch flight that would also take citizens from Germany, Belgium, Greece and part of the crew, Garcia said.
Separate flights for Canadian, Turkish, French, British, Irish and US citizens were also planned for Sunday, added Garcia.
Regional authorities have warned that adverse weather conditions would force the vessel to leave from Monday. — AFP
