Passengers began disembarking in small groups from the cruise ship anchored off Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands after a hantavirus outbreak linked to three deaths. More than 140 people were on board, and although several former passengers tested positive, no one currently on the ship is showing symptoms, according to Spanish authorities, the World Health Organization, and the cruise operator. Spanish nationals were prioritized for evacuation and will be quarantined upon arrival at a medical facility.

Evacuation flights organized by several countries are scheduled through Monday, with passengers transported directly to aircraft to avoid contact with the local population. Those returning to their home countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Australia, will face varying quarantine and monitoring measures. Passengers are permitted to bring only essential items, leaving luggage behind.

The ship will later sail to Rotterdam in the Netherlands for disinfection, while some crew members and the body of a deceased passenger remain on board. Hantavirus typically spreads through contact with contaminated rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted between people, though the strain identified in this outbreak may rarely spread between humans. Authorities say the evacuation operation is proceeding normally under international supervision.