Hantavirus Crisis: Aircraft Transfer in Gran Canaria
In a critical situation unfolding in Gran Canaria, one of the aircraft designated to transport two individuals infected with hantavirus from the 'MV Hondius' cruise has made an emergency landing to refuel, following Morocco's refusal to allow the aircraft to land on its territory. The aircraft's pilot reported a malfunction in the electrical support system for one of the patients, necessitating the use of airport electrical support while awaiting a replacement aircraft to continue the journey. The original plan was for a second aircraft to complete the transfer, but due to the current circumstances, the Canarian government is considering providing a specialized isolation unit to facilitate repairs without disembarking any patients. However, the Ministry of Health has currently dismissed this proposal, insisting on waiting for the second aircraft to arrive before proceeding further.
The aircraft in question, TC-RSD, operated by Turkish airline Redstar Aviation, had departed from Cabo Verde, where it evacuated affected passengers, with Amsterdam in the Netherlands as its final destination. According to sources from the Government Delegation, the aircraft's stop in Gran Canaria is strictly a technical stop for refueling, and they emphasized that no passengers will disembark or board during this stop. This technical landing follows an unexpected rejection from Morocco, which has prompted officials to clarify that the aircraft likely lacked the necessary clearance to enter Moroccan airspace, complicating the logistical response to this health crisis.
As the situation continues to develop, the Spanish government has planned to repatriate the cruise crew from the Canary Islands and provide medical assistance to Spanish nationals in Madrid. The cruise, which is currently experiencing a hantavirus outbreak affecting 147 individuals on board, has ignited tensions between the Spanish government and the Canarian authorities. The former has agreed to the World Health Organization's request to relocate the ship to Tenerife, a decision that the Autonomous Community is contesting. The rapid evolution of this health crisis raises significant concerns regarding the preparedness and response protocols in place for such emergencies.
As reported by eldiario.es.
