Hantavirus cruise ship will not dock in the Canaries

The Canary Islands president, Fernando Clavijo, says the MV Hondius will not dock in the archipelago.

Instead, the ship will anchor offshore, and any passengers needing evacuation will be brought in by launch.

Clavijo says the islands still oppose the decision to bring the vessel to Spanish waters, but accepts that the final call rests with the central government.

Madrid says anchoring was already under consideration because the port of Granadilla is not suitable for a full disembarkation. All 147 passengers travelling from Cabo Verde remain asymptomatic.

Photo: Canary Islands Government