90-Second Read: “I was not afraid of the Hantavirus,” Greek Passenger Says after Cruise Ordeal

Dimitris Zevgolis, the only Greek passenger on the research vessel MV Hondius, described the journey from a South Atlantic expedition to quarantine after a Hantavirus outbreak. After four days crossing rough seas, the ship reached South Georgia, where passengers took part in hikes and explorations. Zevgolis said some passengers offered condolences to the man's wife, who later also died after becoming infected. Zevgolis said he had booked the trip months in advance and that the passengers aboard the MV Hondius were mostly specialists, particularly bird researchers who had joined the voyage to observe and study wildlife.

When the first passenger died on the ship on April 11, the death was initially believed to have been caused by natural causes. Some passengers left the ship there, including the deceased passenger's body and his wife, while around 50 others continued toward Cape Verde. On May 2, the captain informed passengers that the woman had also died in hospital and that hanta virus was suspected for the first time. A scientific expedition across the South Atlantic The expedition, known as the "Atlantic Odyssey," began in Ushuaia, Argentina, a destination often used as a starting point for journeys toward the southern oceans.

By that point, other passengers and crew members had also developed symptoms that raised suspicion. When the MV Hondius reached Cape Verde on May 3, the World Health Organization was alerted. After negotiations, they were transferred under strict health protection measures to the airport and flown to Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where the first complete scientific assessment of the situation was carried out. 33 days in quarantine The second chapter of his ordeal began in Greece, where Zevgolis spent 33 days in quarantine.

A scientific expedition had suddenly become a global news story. The remaining passengers stayed in Cape Verde for several days, transferred sick passengers, and later continued toward the Canary Island s. Health protocols and international response As concerns grew, strict health measures were introduced on the ship, including mask use, social distancing and frequent hand cleaning.