Health authorities are racing to locate 30 cruise ship passengers, including seven British citizens, who disembarked at a remote Atlantic island nearly two weeks before officials confirmed a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the luxury vessel—one passenger has already died.

Passengers Departed Before Diagnosis Confirmed

The group left the Hondius cruise ship at Saint Helena, a remote island off Angola’s coast, on April 24. Ship operator Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed the departures included the body of one passenger who died April 11. The first hantavirus case wasn’t confirmed until May 4, leaving the disembarked tourists completely unaware of their potential exposure for 10 critical days. All passengers have since been contacted by cruise officials.

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12:29 PM · May 7, 2026

British passenger Martin Anstee, 56, described the voyage as a trip of a lifetime before boarding. The former police officer turned wildlife photographer joined as part of the guide team for the expedition that departed Argentina on April 1. The journey planned stops at Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Cape Verde islands. Anstee became seriously ill during the voyage and waited days for medical evacuation from the ship.

Medical Evacuations to Europe

Anstee was among four passengers airlifted to the Netherlands on Wednesday for emergency treatment. Medical officials initially listed him as seriously ill, but his condition has since stabilized. He is currently undergoing tests in isolation at an Amsterdam medical facility and reports feeling okay while awaiting results. The wildlife photographer had eagerly anticipated working with passengers to capture images of rare species during the expedition.

International Health Concern

Hantavirus spreads through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. The virus can prove fatal in severe cases, making rapid identification and treatment critical. Saint Helena, famous as Napoleon’s final place of exile and death, now faces potential public health complications from the 30 passengers who dispersed from the island before the outbreak was identified. The passengers represent multiple nationalities, complicating international contact tracing efforts. Oceanwide Expeditions released a breakdown showing the diverse origins of those who left the ship at the historic outpost.