Expedition vessel MV Hondius has been cleared to return to service after extensive cleaning and disinfection procedures following a deadly hantavirus outbreak that resulted in the deaths of three passengers.

The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, underwent a comprehensive sanitation programme in Rotterdam before receiving approval from Dutch health authorities to resume operations.

Ship Cleared Following Health Inspection

According to the company, the vessel underwent inspection on May 29 and received authorization from Dutch public health officials one day later to return to full operation.

The approval followed weeks of concern surrounding the outbreak, which raised questions about onboard safety procedures and infection control measures.

Extensive Cleaning Conducted Across All Decks

Oceanwide Expeditions says cleaning teams removed organic residue throughout all eight decks of the vessel as part of the sanitation process.

Hard surfaces were disinfected while soft furnishings and other materials underwent high-temperature steam treatment.

The company also stated that inspections found no evidence of rodents onboard the vessel.

Outbreak Linked To Dangerous Hantavirus Strain

According to information from health authorities and the company, investigators believe the virus most likely originated from mainland South America before reaching the vessel.

The outbreak involved the Andes strain of hantavirus, considered particularly concerning because it can spread between humans under certain circumstances.

Three passengers ultimately died following infection.

Previous Crew Remains In Quarantine

The crew from the affected voyage has disembarked and remains under quarantine measures while health authorities continue monitoring the situation.

The incident represents one of the more serious infectious disease outbreaks affecting an expedition cruise vessel in recent years.

Questions Remain Despite Return To Service

While authorities have approved the vessel’s return to operation, the outbreak is likely to continue raising questions around expedition travel risks, biosecurity procedures and disease monitoring in remote travel environments.

For now, however, MV Hondius has resumed operations after health officials concluded the vessel no longer presents a public health risk.