A French couple aboard the MV Hondius, the cruise ship at the centre of a deadly hantavirus outbreak, say life on board remains calm and orderly despite international alarm. Julia and Roland Seitre trained veterinarians and two of the five French nationals on the vessel described the situation as an “unlikely adventure” and warned against sensationalising the incident.
The ship departed Ushuaia on April 1 for a trans‑Atlantic journey to Cape Verde, stopping at remote islands along the way. Since then, three passengers have died and several others have fallen ill, prompting global concern and memories of the early COVID‑19 era. But the Seitres insist the reality on board is far from chaotic.
“There’s no need to overdramatize the situation,” they said in a statement shared with multiple media outlets, including AFP. “To call this an epidemic is wrong. To imply it’s a pandemic is dishonest.” While acknowledging the situation is “complex,” they stressed that passengers remain composed and well‑informed.
The World Health Organization has also emphasised that the risk to the general public is minimal. Hantavirus, typically spread through contact with infected rodents, can cause severe respiratory and cardiac symptoms but is not easily transmitted between people. The Andes strain linked to this outbreak may spread between humans in rare cases, but experts say the threat remains low.
According to the Seitres, daily life aboard the ship carrying around 150 passengers and crew from 23 countries is “nearly normal.” Passengers have been advised to keep a safe distance, stay in their cabins when possible and avoid large gatherings, but they are free to move around outdoor decks without masks. Meals continue in the dining room with social distancing in place.
“There’s no panic on board,” they said, noting that all five French passengers are doing well. They also pointed out that the Hondius is not a typical leisure cruise: there is no pool, sauna or cinema. Instead, the ship is filled with enthusiasts ornithologists, botanists, historians, geographers and lovers of remote landscapes.
As health authorities across four continents continue tracing passengers who disembarked earlier in the voyage, those still on board say they are focused on staying informed, staying calm and avoiding unnecessary fear.
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