Oceanwide Expeditions has confirmed three guests have passed away onboard the Hondius which is currently located off the coast of Cape Verde.

Media reports said the 174-guest ship is battling a hantavirus outbreak. Information regarding the number of guests and crew aboard was not immediately available.

In addition, one passenger is currently being treated in intensive care in Johannesburg, and two crew members onboard require urgent medical care.

The company said that as of May 3, no authorization from Cape Verdean authorities has been given to disembark guests requiring medical care or to support with medical screening.

“Local health authorities have visited the vessel to assess the condition of the two symptomatic individuals. They are yet to make a decision regarding the transfer of these individuals into medical care in Cape Verde,” the company said.

The company said in a statement that its priority is to ensure that the two symptomatic individuals onboard receive adequate and expedited medical care.

“Dutch authorities have agreed to lead a joint effort in organizing the repatriation of the two symptomatic individuals onboard the Hondius from Cape Verde to the Netherlands.”

The body of the deceased individual is also planned to be included in this repatriation, along with a guest closely associated with the deceased, who is not symptomatic, the company said.

“This repatriation depends on many factors, including the authorization and support of local Cape Verdean health authorities for the transfer of individuals requiring medical attention from Hondius,” the company stated.

Oceanwide stressed it is working closely with local and international authorities, including WHO, RIVM, relevant embassies, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.