PH Embassy: 21 crew members of hantavirus-hit MV Hondius in the Netherlands

A total of 21 crew members of MV Hondius are now in the Netherlands as of Tuesday, May 12, 2026, according to the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands.

Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya joined Dutch health and foreign ministry officials, while following strict health protocols, were on hand to receive 17 Filipino crew members, including six Filipinas, at the Eindhoven Airport on Tuesday.

The group is the second batch of the evacuation flights of crew members of the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius arranged by the Netherlands from Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands.

On Sunday, four Filipino crew members of MV Hondius arrived in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

Also present at the Eindhoven Airport with Ambassador Malaya were Consul Kay Kalaw-Ado, Attache Kieren Roevi Batiles and staff member Joel Aballe.

"The newly arrived crew members underwent medical tests upon arrival before proceeding to designated local facilities for their quarantine while awaiting repatriation to the Philippines. Four Filipino crew members arrived previously Sunday evening," the Embassy said in a statement.

"The remaining 17 crew members, who are expected to arrive in Rotterdam on Sunday evening, 18 May, onboard the MV Hondius, will likewise undergo quarantine," it added.

The Philippine Embassy in The Hague also said that it is in close contact with Dutch authorities and the Migrant Workers Offices in Berlin to work on the eventual repatriation of all 38 Filipino crew members to the Philippines.

"The Embassy conveys its appreciation for the Netherlands Government’s proactive and careful handling of this public health emergency, with strict observance of applicable protocols." — BAP, GMA News