ITF is calling for all passengers and crew from the vessel to be transported by dedicated medical flights, with appropriate infectious disease protocols and medical professionals in place

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is calling on governments and health authorities to exercise serious caution in the transportation of passengers and crew from the MV Hondius. 

The first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world

HONDIUS is a Passenger (Cruise) Ship. It is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world. Built in 2019 . The vessel has a gross tonnage of 6,603 GT and a deadweight of 1,154 DWT. Length overall: 108 m, beam: 18 m. The vessel's a permanent identifier assigned for the lifetime of the ship. The MMSI number 244327000 is used for real-time AIS radio identification.

Hondius represents the most flexible touring vessel in the polar regions.

The vessel's IMO number is 9818709 — a permanent identifier assigned for the lifetime of the ship. The MMSI number 244327000 is used for real-time AIS radio identification.- sailing under the flag of the Netherlands) , Hondius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica.

Appropriate infectious disease protocols

This follows reports that a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines cabin crew member has been hospitalised after contact with a passenger from the vessel who later died from hantavirus.

In light of the evolving nature of the situation and the ongoing assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO), the ITF is calling for all passengers and crew from the vessel to be transported by dedicated medical flights, with appropriate infectious disease protocols and medical professionals in place. This must be done regardless of whether passengers and crew are symptomatic.

Related : ITF files complaint against Slovenia over sham union scandal affecting seafarers’ rights

Passengers and crew are facing a deeply traumatic situation

Passengers and crew from the MV Hondius are facing a deeply traumatic situation, with three passengers dead and two crew members evacuated from the ship as it sails to Spain. The international crew of 61 seafarers from 12 countries has performed with extraordinary bravery and professionalism under extreme pressure. At risk to themselves, the crew has prioritised the needs and safety of the ship’s passengers above their own, acting in line with established health protocols.  

Commercial aviation 

Commercial aviation must not be put on the frontlines of this situation. The risks to workers’ health and safety, public safety, and the wider industry are simply too high. The lessons of COVID-19 must not be forgotten: aviation workers cannot again be thrust into an emerging health emergency without adequate information, protections, and safeguards. The health of people around the world depends on this.

Transport workers are not medical professionals, and they must be properly protected both onboard the vessel and on any aircraft involved in evacuation or repatriation operations. 

Passengers subject to quarantine

It is noteworthy that the 17 Americans who were stranded on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was struck by the Hantavirus, have started to evacuate the vessel and will soon be on their way to the US for quarantine. Passengers seated on a small boat in blue plastic ponchos, voluminous hats, and medical face masks were pictured finally disembarking at the port of Grandilla de Abona in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands.

The MV Hondius docked in the Spanish tourist hotspot on Sunday to begin the week-long evacuation process for its 147 passengers, who hail from a dozen countries. They were unloaded from the boat in groups by nationality. The evacuation effort, which was expected to last until Monday, involved planes arriving in Tenerife to fly out passengers from more than 20 countries.

The Hondius's more than 140 passengers and crew had not shown symptoms of the virus, according to officials from the Spanish Health Ministry, the World Health Organization, and the cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions. However, three people have died since the outbreak began, and five passengers who left the ship earlier have tested 

#hantavirus #ITF #The MV Hondius # COVID-19 #KLM Royal Dutch #quarantine #Crew #Passenger# World Health Organization,