European Nations Dispatch Planes to Evacuate Citizens from Hantavirus‑Hit Cruise Ship

evacuate citizens from hantavirus-hit cruise ship

European governments are mobilising air assets to evacuate citizens from hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius after a lethal outbreak was confirmed aboard. Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands will each dispatch a plane, a total of ↑ 5 aircraft, according to Spain’s interior minister. The minister added that the European Union, together with the United States and the United Kingdom, will coordinate transport for the remaining passengers.

“Our priority is to bring our nationals home safely and swiftly,” the minister told reporters.

The coordinated effort underscores the growing diplomatic pressure to contain the disease and protect travelers. For further details see Reuters and AP News.

Words by Julian Vance (Senior Global Security Correspondent).