A voyage aboard the expedition cruise ship Hondius has turned into an international health crisis after multiple deaths and severe illnesses linked to the rare Hantavirus, leaving passengers from several countries stranded at sea, including Palestinian traveler and content creator Qasim Al Hato, widely known online as “The Palestinian Ibn Battuta.”

The Dutch-operated vessel, run by Oceanwide Expeditions, began its journey weeks ago with 149 people on board, traveling through Antarctica and other remote locations before stopping near the coast of Cape Verde, where it remains under strict medical monitoring.

According to a statement from the company, the crisis began on April 11 when a Dutch passenger died onboard under unclear circumstances. Days later, his wife reportedly became ill during her return journey home and later died as well.

On April 27, another passenger from the United Kingdom developed severe respiratory symptoms and was medically evacuated to South Africa, where laboratory tests confirmed infection with a strain of Hantavirus. He remains in intensive care in Johannesburg in critical but stable condition.

The situation escalated further in early May after a German passenger also died onboard. The World Health Organization has since confirmed three deaths connected to the outbreak, with several additional suspected cases under investigation.

Oceanwide Expeditions also reported that two crew members, one British and one Dutch, are currently suffering from acute respiratory symptoms and require urgent medical attention, though their infections have not yet been confirmed as Hantavirus-related.

Among those still stranded aboard the ship is Palestinian traveler Qasim Al Hato, known across social media as “The Palestinian Ibn Battuta,” along with dozens of passengers awaiting medical clearance and evacuation coordination with international health authorities.

Hantavirus is a rare virus commonly spread through rodents, particularly by inhaling air contaminated with rodent urine, saliva, or droppings. Early symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, and digestive issues, but severe cases can rapidly progress into life-threatening respiratory failure.

There is currently no specific cure for the virus, and treatment depends mainly on intensive supportive care and early diagnosis.