Cruise tourism : There is no indication that Hantavirus is linked to the condition of the ships

In an official statement published on May 19, 2026, Rémi Bouysset, CEO of the polar cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions and owner of the exploration vessel Hondius, broke his silence, describing the event as « one of the most difficult situations in our company’s history, » emphasizing above all the profound human tragedy it has left its mark on the world.

The toll is heavy: three people have tragically lost their lives, and several others have become seriously ill after contracting the virus. Some required urgent medical intervention followed by complex medical evacuations in extremely challenging geographical and climatic conditions.

While speculation was rife regarding hygiene conditions on board, Rémi Bouysset firmly clarified the situation, stating that all indications suggest the virus was brought on board by external parties before embarkation and in no way originated from the ship itself.

At this stage of the investigation, nothing indicates that the source of the infection is linked to the technical condition of the vessel or to the logistical operations carried out by the crews. The company reiterates that it rigorously applies pest control and biosecurity procedures, including continuous inspections to prevent the proliferation of rodents, the main vectors of hantavirus transmission through their droppings.

For now, the Hondius has arrived safely in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where it immediately began a thorough cleaning, fumigation, and disinfection process under the supervision of international health authorities.

In order to complete this total decontamination and guarantee absolute safety, the company has decided to cancel its next two voyages, postponing the official resumption of the aircraft’s operations to June 13, 2026, departing from Longyearbyen, in the Svalbard archipelago.

Vigilance remains at its highest level, however, as several affected individuals are currently hospitalized, some in critical condition, while many passengers and crew members remain under strict quarantine and enhanced medical surveillance to eliminate any risk of the spread of this highly dangerous lung and kidney disease.