Total of 23 Britons - many of them likely to be birders - stranded on virus-stricken cruise ship

                                                                

Worrying time for those on board the MV Hondius and their families at home (photo: Oceanwide Expeditions)

HOW once-in-a-lifetime wildlife-watching  holiday in the Antarctic turned to tragedy remains the subject of intense investigation.

As is being widely reported in international media, three MV Hondius passengers -  a Dutch couple and one German - have lost their lives, reportedly after having contracted a rare virus that is sometimes carried in the droppings or urine of rodents or deer.

Meanwhile, a poorly British passenger has been evacuated and is being treated in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Johannesburg.

Two of the 70 crew members are also said to be extremely ill with  breathing difficulties.

The MV Hondius is operated by Dutch company Oceanwide Expeditions which specialises in birding and wildlife-watching holidays in  the Antarctic and the Arctic.

It currently has on board a total of 149 passengers and crew  of  23 nationalities  

Since leaving  Ushuaia in Argentina about three weeks ago, the ship  has stopped in mainland Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan, St. Helena, Ascension and Cape Verde while en route to the Canary Islands.

Because of concerns about transmission of the virus, the ship has not been allowed to dock in any port, and has been anchored off the coast of Cape Verde.

In a statement issued earlier today, Oceanwide Expeditions, said: "Local health authorities have visited the vessel and assessed the situation. 

"Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including the World Health Organisation,  relevant embassies and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

"At the same time, preparations are being made for possible medical repatriation and next steps. 

"The option of sailing on to Las Palmas or Tenerife are being considered to be the gateway for disembarkation, where further medical screening and handling could take place.

"Strict precautionary measures are in process on board, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring. 

"Oceanwide Expeditions is in close contact with those directly involved and their families, and is providing support where possible.

"We understand the considerable interest and concern and will share new information as soon as it has been verified. "

Below is a list of the nationalities of those on board the ship