The cruise ship at the heart of a suspected hantavirus outbreak will sail to the Canary Islands, where Spain will receive it "in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles”, its health ministry said.
Global health authorities have said the suspected outbreak may be transmitting between passengers on board the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius, but maintained the risk to global health is low.
It is currently off the coast of Cape Verde, where it is hoped the medical evacuation of a British crew member, along with a Dutch colleague and a passenger, will take place.
Operator Oceanwide Expeditions said that three people, two needing urgent care and a person associated with the guest who died on 2 May, will be evacuated to the Netherlands.
After that point, the vessel will begin repositioning towards the Canary Islands, which will take three days of sailing, with passengers on board.
"The World Health Organization has explained that Cape Verde is unable to carry out this operation," the Spanish health ministry said. "The Canary Islands are the closest location with the necessary capabilities. Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are also several Spanish citizens."
A total of seven suspected cases have been identified – including three deaths.
