‘Rat virus’ cruise ship passenger visited college in feared ‘tremendous spreader’ occasion
Panic has gripped Tristan da Cunha after an MV Hondius passenger visited a local school, sparking fears of an outbreak on the world’s most isolated British territory
The MV Hondius stopped at the tiny British territory of Tristan da Cunha(Image: Getty Images)
Fears of a potential ‘super spreader’ event have gripped the world’s most remote island after a passenger from the rat virus cruise ship visited a local school. The MV Hondius stopped at the tiny British territory of Tristan da Cunha, potentially exposing the isolated community to the deadly hantavirus.
In a concerning development, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a third suspected British case of the disease on the island itself. The individual is a British national living on Tristan who was reportedly brought ashore by the infected vessel.
The ship dropped anchor off the coast on April 14, just three days after the first passenger had already succumbed to the virus.
Despite the brewing crisis, a Dutch passenger named Joep reportedly visited St Mary’s school, where he showed videos to local children.
He was accompanied by crew members who also interacted with the youngsters, sparking fears that the school could have become ground zero for an outbreak.
Tristan da Cunha is home to just over 200 residents. Because of its extreme isolation, the population is highly vulnerable to imported diseases.
While the virus was quietly spreading, islanders were reportedly unaware of the danger. According to a local blog, some even boarded the ship, while passengers flooded the shore to hit the local pub.
Describing the scene, the article said: “Visitors spent the day ashore making the most of everything on offer. There was a great buzz around the settlement, with guests heading off on guided walks, exploring at their own pace, visiting the museum and enjoying all the open venues.
“The pub, as always, was a firm favourite, full of laughter and stories being shared from their journey.”
Images have since emerged showing locals and tourists mixing freely. Island guides Barry Thacker and Philip Kendall were even pictured visiting the MV Hondius.
The ship is currently racing toward the Canary Islands and is expected to reach Tenerife this Sunday. However, following threats of a blockade by local workers, the vessel will not be permitted to dock. Instead, passengers will be evacuated via small boats while anchored offshore.
Meanwhile, health officials are in a desperate scramble to track down dozens of passengers who hopped off the ship at St Helena before the alarm was raised.
A total of 22 passengers disembarked early, many boarding commercial flights to various global destinations, while seven British nationals left the ship at St Helena on April 24. Two people are currently self-isolating back in the UK.
A spokesperson for the UKHSA told The Sun: “Four of these individuals remain in St Helena and we are in touch with the relevant health officials to provide advice on contact management. Tracing efforts are ongoing for the seventh individual, who we know has not yet returned to the UK.”
The agency clarified that the suspected case on Tristan da Cunha is not among those seven travellers.
Tristan da Cunha Administrator Philip Kendall admitted the situation was “of serious concern to the island.”
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