Oceanwide Expeditions CEO Rémi Bouysset has issued a statement addressing the hantavirus outbreak aboard the Hondius, calling it “one of the most difficult situations in our company’s history.”

“First and foremost, this was and remains a human tragedy,” Bouysset said in a May 19 statement.

“Three individuals have lost their lives. Several others have become seriously ill after contracting the virus, with some requiring urgent medical intervention and evacuation under extremely challenging circumstances.”

Bouysset said indications strongly suggest that the virus was introduced before the embarkation and did not originate from the vessel itself.

“At this stage, there is no indication that the source of infection was linked to the vessel’s condition or to Oceanwide Expeditions’ onboard operations,” he said. “We maintain strict pest-control and biosecurity procedures onboard our vessels, including regular inspections and monitoring.”

The Hondius has now arrived safely in Rotterdam and has begun an extended cleaning and disinfection process, according to the company.

Two voyages have, however, been canceled to allow for the cleaning, with the vessel scheduled to resume operations on June 13 from Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Several affected individuals still remain hospitalized, including some in critical condition, while many guests and crew members remain under quarantine and medical monitoring, Bouysset added.

Bouysset acknowledged the company has been impacted by the crisis but said Oceanwide Expeditions remains resilient and financially solid.

“Like any company facing an exceptional situation, Oceanwide Expeditions has been impacted over recent weeks,” he said. “However, we remain resilient, focused and financially solid.”