Tensions are escalating in theCanary Islandsas a cruise ship carrying passengers affected by a rare viral outbreak continues its course towards the archipelago. The vessel, theMV Hondius, has reportedly now leftCape Verdeafter several days of medical evacuations and is now expected to reach Tenerife in about three days. On board, authorities have confirmed a hantavirus outbreak that has already causedthree deathsand triggered international health monitoring.
The planned docking has sparked a political and public backlash in the Canary Islands. Regional presidentFernando Clavijohas warned that the situation could pose a serious risk to local health services and demanded more transparency from Madrid before any disembarkation takes place. He told Spanish radio station Onda Cero earlier today: "We have no information whatsoever nor any official document from the government.
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"Without having information, I cannot allow them to enter the Canary Islands, because we don’t know what we are dealing with,” added the territory's president.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Clavijo also wrote: "Canarias always acts with responsibility, but it cannot accept decisions taken behind the backs of the Canary Islands institutions and without sufficient information to the population."
Spain’s health ministry, led by Mónica García, however, insists the operation is safe and said the port has the necessary infrastructure to handle the situation under strict medical protocols.
Public anger is also growing across the islands, with residents expressing fear over the possible strain on already stretched hospitals.
OnTikTok, some local residents in the Canary Islands have been calling for a protest on Friday, May 8. One post calls for residents on the Canary Islands to "take to the streets" adding that "enough is enough." The image shows a massive cruise ship with a rat crossed out approaching and a wave of people protesting as it comes closer. They are holding the Canary Islands flag, alongside banners reading “health is not negotiable" and "the Canary Islands must be respected."
In the comments, some users have stated that they plan to meet for a protest at Plaza de España on Friday, May 8 at 6:30pm.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
