ROTTERDAM — Oceanwide Expeditions said “indications strongly suggest” that the hantavirus that took the lives of three passengers – and hospitalized many more – was introduced prior to embarkation and did not originate from the vessel itself.

Investigations are ongoing regarding the exact location where the virus may have been contracted, says the cruise company, citing the medical and epidemiological information currently available, including guidance from WHO experts and other health authorities.

“At this stage, there is no indication that the source of infection was linked to the vessel’s condition or to Oceanwide Expeditions’ onboard operations,” said Oceanwide Expeditions’ CEO, Rémi Bouysset, regarding the hantavirus cluster of cases aboard m/v Hondius.

In a statement, Bouysset said Oceanwide Expeditions “faced one of the most difficult situations in our company’s history” over the past few weeks.

“First and foremost, this was and remains a human tragedy. Three individuals lost their lives. Several others became seriously ill after contracting the virus, with some requiring urgent medical intervention and evacuation under extremely challenging circumstances. At the time of writing, several affected individuals remain hospitalized, including some still in critical condition, while many guests and crew members remain under quarantine and medical monitoring,” said Bouysset.

“Beyond those directly affected, the situation has weighed heavily on guests, crew members, expedition staff, families and friends. Throughout this entire period, our thoughts have remained with them.”

Since the outbreak in early May, Bouysset said the company focused on three constant priorities: medical response, operational coordination and transparent communication.

“What initially appeared to be an isolated medical situation evolved into a far more serious and complex event, requiring the rapid building of an international coalition and the full activation of crisis management procedures,” he said.

“We maintain strict pest-control and biosecurity procedures onboard our vessels, including regular inspections and monitoring. These were performed during this voyage, which began on 1 April, with no evidence of rodents or pests being present throughout.”

He added that the company is in Phase 3 of its crisis plan: vessel transit to Rotterdam, vessel sanitization, crew transition, operational restart, resilience and lessons learned.

The ship, which arrived in Rotterdam on May 18, will now undergo a complete cleaning and sanitization process, together with the full implementation of additional protocols, procedures, and a complete crew transition before returning to operations. “We want to take the necessary time to complete every step properly and responsibly,” said Bouysset.

“We will ensure that m/v Hondius returns to the field fully prepared and with the highest possible standards of safety and operational readiness, with the continuation of our Arctic season currently planned for 13 June.”

Bouysset added: “Like any company facing an exceptional situation, Oceanwide Expeditions has been impacted over recent weeks. However, we remain resilient, focused, and financially solid. Since our foundation in 1993, we have navigated challenging periods before, always by staying close to our values: serious operations, small-ship expeditions, experienced people and long-term thinking.

“Today is no different. More than 30 years after our first voyages, our commitment to the field, to our partners and to our guests remains as strong as ever.”

He said the company will continue to review the outbreak and implement lessons learned.

“We operate in some of the most remote regions on earth. That comes with responsibility toward our guests, crew, partners, and the environments we explore. Situations like these remind us of the importance of preparation, teamwork, experience, and calm decision-making under pressure.

“Our focus now is on supporting those affected, allowing teams to recover, completing the remaining procedures responsibly, and preparing for the next phase.

“I have always believed in one simple principle: do the right thing and do things right. In a highly complex and high-pressure situation, where decisions carry real human consequences, that principle matters more than ever.”