Just a month ago, they had set out on an adventure to some of the most remote islands in the world. Encounters with whales, dolphins, and penguins awaited. A landscape of expanses of ice, towering cliffs, and rolling green hills beckons.
They are currently holed up on a ship docked in the Atlantic Ocean, isolated in their cabins and taking all possible measures to protect themselves from the deadly virus outbreak.
For the approximately 150 passengers aboard the MV Hondius, the days ahead are filled with uncertainty.
Three passengers died after an outbreak of hantavirus, which causes fatigue and fever and can lead to organ failure and death. Three other people believed to have been infected are scheduled to be evacuated within the next few hours.
Others will have to wait, at least for now. Spain agreed to receive the ship in the Canary Islands within three to four days. Until then, the boat will be anchored off the coast of Praia, Cape Verde, with the crew doing their best to stay healthy.
Meanwhile, many of them are trying to make the most of the uncertainty, with some giving glimpses into their lives through social media posts.
Travel vlogger Kasem Hato posted a video of himself looking out at distant land from the deck of a ship.
“What we see in front of us is a country called Cape Verde, and we are not allowed to disembark there,” he said in Arabic, pointing to the coastline of the West African country where the ship was supposed to end up.
Passengers have been instructed to isolate and strict hygiene measures are in place. But despite the situation, travel company Oceanwide Expeditions says passengers are remaining calm.
“Most people on the ship are taking this very calmly,” Hato said in one of the videos he posted from the deck and cabin overlooking the ocean.
He also dismissed concerns that the spread of infection would increase.
“This virus is not new to the world. If it was going to become an epidemic, it would have happened a long time ago,” he says.
Human-to-human transmission is suspected to have occurred on the ship, but Maria van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization’s acting director of epidemic and pandemic management, believes this was likely only among very close contacts, such as married couples or health care providers. The risk to the public is very low, she says.
Two of the deceased passengers were a married couple. Officials said that among those who are sick and expected to be evacuated soon are one person “related to” the third person who died, and the other a doctor.
Hato told CNN that passengers are taking the situation seriously but are not panicking.
“We all share in the incredible journey of those who have passed away and we all feel deeply sorry for them and send our condolences to their families.”
Another passenger, Jake Rosmarin, told CNN that apart from the passenger who fell ill, “everyone on board is healthy and in good spirits.” He highlighted the efforts made by flight crews to keep passengers safe, informed and comfortable.
Wildlife photographer Alejandra Rendon also praised the crew for “coping with such an unlikely and unfortunate situation.”
Travel companies and the WHO said crew members were spending their time caring for passengers and disinfecting the ship.
Passengers also play their part.
Hato told CNN that the captain and management are updating passengers as new information becomes available.
“We are working hard to follow the recommendations we have received, including reducing direct contact with other passengers and sanitizing our hands whenever possible,” Hato said.
He added that “our days are proceeding almost as normal” and said morale on board remained high. “We try to stay busy by reading books, watching movies, and drinking hot drinks.”
Rosmarin said additional medical supplies and supplies were brought on board and passengers were taking precautions such as wearing masks and social distancing.
Passengers can have meals delivered to their cabins or take a solo stroll on the deck for some fresh air, but they cannot congregate in common areas, he added.
He has also been posting images of views of Cape Verde from the ship, and is looking forward to the day when the ship finally disembarks.
“I’m feeling well as I’ve been getting some fresh air and continuing to make sure the crew on board is well fed and cared for,” Rosmarin wrote on Instagram, along with a selfie from the deck.
“I try to focus on the positive, think good thoughts and keep a smile on my face.”
