A TEARFUL passenger stranded aboard a cruise ship hit by a deadly virus has issued a desperate plea, warning there are “real people” trapped on the vessel where three have already died.
The nightmare is unfolding on the MV Hondius, has left passengers stranded at sea as cases climb to seven.
American travel blogger Jake Rosmarin broke down in an emotional video Credit: Instagram/Jake Rosmarin
A suspected rat-borne hantavirus has left passengers stranded at sea on board the MV Hondius Credit: AFP
A , while two crew members – including another Brit urgently need treatment.
Authorities have confirmed two cases so far – – with five more under investigation.
The luxury polar vessel, carrying nearly 150 people, has been left drifting off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde, for more than three days – with no one allowed to disembark.
And as panic grips those onboard, American travel blogger Jake Rosmarin broke down in an emotional video shared with his 44,000 followers.
The travel blogger pleaded that there are ‘real people’ on board the vessel Credit: Facebook/Jake Rosmarin
A British man, 69, is fighting for his life in intensive care Credit: EPA
“I am currently on board the MV Hondius, and what’s happening right now is very real for all of us here,” he said.
“We’re people… people with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home.”
Overcome with fear and uncertainty, the Boston-based content creator added: “There’s a lot of uncertainty, and that’s the hardest part.
“All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity, and to get home. So if you’re seeing coverage about this, just remember that there are real people behind it, and that this isn’t something happening far away.
“It’s happening to us, right now.”
He ended his plea with a call for “kindness and understanding”.
The luxury polar vessel, carrying nearly 150 people, has been left drifting off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde Credit: Reuters
The World Health Organisation has said it is ‘acting with urgency’ Credit: AFP
The 353ft expedition ship set sail from Ushuaia, , around three weeks ago.
It stopped at remote islands across the Atlantic – including South and Saint Helena – before descending into chaos.
Dutch operator Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed 23 British nationals are onboard, including four crew members, as it battles what it called a “serious medical situation”.
Plans to sail on to or Tenerife are being considered as possible evacuation points – but for now, passengers remain stuck, awaiting permission to leave the ship.
What Is Hantavirus
HANTAVIRUS is one of the deadliest diseases for humans, comparable to Ebola.
It is a rare pathogen primarily carried by rodents but can also be transmitted to humans via droppings and urine.
The virus can lead to serious illnesses, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
Each hantavirus strain is associated with a specific rodent species and is transmitted to humans through exposure to infected rodents’ urine, feces, or saliva, and less commonly through rodent bites.
The virus was first identified during the 1950s Korean War near the Hantan River and is not easily spread between humans.
Despite its rarity, hantavirus has a high mortality rate of 38 percent, based on CDC data.
There is no specific treatment or cure.
Symptoms of hantavirus infection include fever, kidney damage, fatigue, vomiting, and reddish cheeks, with an incubation period ranging from four days to two months.
Humans are at risk of infection through contact with wild or pet rodents, their droppings, or through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.
To date, no confirmed cases of direct human-to-human transmission of hantavirus have been reported.
Because the vessel sails under a Dutch flag, the has taken charge of coordinating international efforts to evacuate the sick.
“Dutch authorities have agreed to lead a joint effort to organize the repatriation of the two symptomatic individuals on board MV Hondius from Cape Verde to the Netherlands,” the company said.
But local officials have refused to allow the ship to dock, fearing the virus could spread to the island’s population.
Maria da Luz, president of the Cape Verdean Public Institute, insisted the vessel must “continue its route” – effectively blocking passengers from stepping ashore.
Authorities have hinted that only a limited medical evacuation by air ambulance may be permitted.
It was later reported that three people could be allowed off under emergency arrangements.
A statement from Oceanwide Expeditions on Sunday night confirmed that “no authorization” had been granted for disembarkation.
Meanwhile, those onboard face an agonising wait – knowing the virus can take up to eight weeks to show symptoms.
The has said it is “acting with urgency” but stressed that “risk to the wider public remains low”.
Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO’s regional director for , said: “The risk to the wider public remains low. There is no need for panic or travel restrictions.”
But onboard, fear is mounting.
One passenger wrote online: “We are in a very complicated situation. Please keep us in your thoughts.”
Another told MailOnline: “We have not heard from Oceanwide at all. We still have friends on the ship.”
Since April 11, three passengers have died – including a Dutch couple and a German national.
The outbreak is believed to have begun with a 70-year-old passenger who suddenly fell ill with fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea before dying onboard.
He was later taken off the ship on Saint Helena on April 24.
His 69-year-old wife then developed symptoms and was evacuated to South Africa – where she later died in a Johannesburg hospital.
Both were Dutch nationals.
On May 2, a German passenger also died onboard, though the cause has yet to be confirmed.
Officials say symptoms reported between April 6 and 28 include fever, gastrointestinal illness, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock.
The virus, carried by rodents, can spread through inhaling particles from dried droppings, and in rare cases through bites or scratches.
The same virus killed last year.
Oceanwide Expeditions said: “During this voyage, three passengers have passed away. In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members on board require urgent medical care.
“The priority of Oceanwide Expeditions is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals on board receive adequate and expedited medical care.”
Passengers have been told to wear masks, keep their distance and minimise contact – as the invisible threat continues to spread.
The UK Foreign Office said it is “closely monitoring reports of a potential Hantavirus outbreak” and stands ready to support British nationals.
The ill-fated cruise – costing around £10,000 per passenger – promised once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences in some of the world’s most remote locations.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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