El presidente del puerto de Granadilla: “La gente piensa que el barco atraca y las ratas …

The Port Authority of Tenerife is preparing for the arrival of the cruise ship MV Hondius at the industrial port of Granadilla on May 10, 2026. The vessel is carrying 147 passengers arriving from Cape Verde amid a health crisis involving Hantavirus.

Pedro Suárez, the president of the Port Authority of Tenerife and a former counselor of the Canary Government, stated that Granadilla was chosen for the operation because of the capacity of Sanidad Exterior. This department, which is dependent on the central government, is described by Suárez as a leader in its field, a status he claims was demonstrated during the pandemic.

The operation involves the disembarkation of 147 passengers who will either take flights to their respective home countries or be transferred to hospitals in the Canary Islands if they arrive ill from Cape Verde.

Suárez addressed public concerns regarding the safety of the maneuver, noting that while similar evacuations occur more frequently than the public realizes, this specific event has a higher level of media attention.

Regarding the safety protocols for the arrival, Suárez stated:

La gente piensa que el barco atraca y las ratas saltan a tierra… Pero no: será muy seguro

Pedro Suárez via EL MUNDO

To maintain security and prevent contamination, the Port Authority has restricted the personnel involved in the operation. Suárez confirmed that the Port Police will be the only participants, acting in a support capacity without direct contact. He explicitly stated that port workers will have no involvement in the process.

Despite these assurances, the decision has sparked labor unrest. Approximately 30 port workers in Tenerife have held demonstrations to protest the arrival of the MV Hondius.

The protesting workers have expressed their opposition through the slogan ¡Queremos trabajo, no enfermedad! (We want work, not disease!), reflecting fears over the potential health risks associated with the Hantavirus outbreak.

The arrival of the vessel on May 10, 2026, is expected to draw significant international attention as the passengers depart the ship for their final destinations or medical care.