Cape Verdean authorities are preparing an air evacuation of passengers from a cruise ship stranded offshore after a respiratory illness outbreak was detected during its voyage, officials said Monday.
The vessel, the Hondius, has remained anchored near the port of Praia after being denied permission to dock as a precautionary measure aimed at protecting public health.
At a press conference, Angela Gomes said the ship is carrying 147 people, including both passengers and crew members, and that three individuals have developed mild respiratory symptoms.
“The patients are clinically stable and remain under continuous medical observation onboard,” Gomes said, noting that none of the affected individuals currently require hospitalisation.
She added that Cape Verde’s decision to keep the vessel offshore was guided by international health protocols designed to prevent the potential spread of infectious diseases, particularly in situations involving enclosed environments such as cruise ships.
Authorities have collected biological samples from those affected and sent them for analysis, including to international laboratories, as part of efforts to determine the exact cause of the outbreak.
While the illness has not yet been identified, officials said the symptoms observed so far appear mild, and there is no immediate indication of a severe public health threat.
The planned evacuation operation is being coordinated with authorities in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, reflecting the multinational nature of those onboard and the ship’s ownership.
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Gomes said Cape Verde is awaiting the arrival of an air ambulance, which will be used to transport the symptomatic individuals for further medical evaluation and care.
“The situation is under control and does not pose any risk to the population,” she said, emphasizing that the ship will remain under strict surveillance by Cape Verdean authorities until both the evacuation and investigative processes are completed.
Earlier, the country’s health ministry disclosed that the vessel had entered Cape Verdean waters after international health authorities issued alerts about a possible outbreak onboard, including reports of more serious cases and deaths during the voyage.
However, officials in Praia have not confirmed any severe cases among those currently under their jurisdiction, instead stressing that all identified patients are stable.
The incident highlights the continued vulnerability of cruise ships to the rapid spread of infectious diseases, given the close quarters in which passengers and crew live and interact.
Health experts note that such environments can facilitate transmission of respiratory illnesses, prompting swift containment measures when suspected outbreaks occur.
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Cape Verde’s response also reflects broader global efforts to strengthen compliance with international health standards, including those established by the World Health Organization under the International Health Regulations.
These rules require countries to take precautionary steps to prevent cross-border disease transmission while ensuring appropriate care for affected individuals.
Officials said further updates would depend on the results of laboratory testing, which are expected to provide clarity on the nature of the illness and inform any additional public health measures.
For now, authorities are balancing caution with reassurance, maintaining strict monitoring of the vessel while seeking to avoid unnecessary alarm among the public.
The outcome of the evacuation and subsequent investigations will likely shape how similar incidents are handled in the region, particularly as global travel and cruise tourism continue to recover and expand.
Cape Verde, a popular stop for transatlantic cruise routes, has increasingly focused on strengthening its health surveillance systems to manage such risks without disrupting its tourism-dependent economy.
As the situation develops, officials say their priority remains safeguarding public health while ensuring that those onboard receive appropriate medical attention in a timely manner.
