The operation to disembark over a hundred passengers from the Dutch-flagged vessel began at first light, after health authorities confirmed that all travelers remain asymptomatic. This process, expected to last until tomorrow, is being carried out in small groups and by nationality.
The 14 Spanish nationals were the first to leave the ship, followed by passengers from the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. An aircraft dispatched by the Netherlands will serve as the primary transport for the repatriation of these groups. The final flight, scheduled for tomorrow, will transport individuals from Australia, New Zealand, and various parts of Asia.
Since approximately 7:17 AM, vehicles from the Military Emergency Unit (UME), known as bubble vehicles, arrived at the pier. Coordination between Granadilla Port and Tenerife South Airport is strict, requiring authorization from the pilot of each flight for the embarkation of MV Hondius crew members. Vessels from the Civil Guard and Maritime Rescue, along with a helicopter, are overseeing the operation from Muelle Ribera, where an advanced medical post of the Canarian Emergency Service (SUC) has also been established.
“"If they want to impose it, let them violate our autonomy and take responsibility for what happens."
The operation, organized against the clock, is following the established roadmap, though not without tensions. The cruise ship's arrival generated disagreement between the Government of the Canary Islands and the State. The president of the Government of the Canary Islands expressed his displeasure at the lack of a prior meeting with the ministers who traveled to the island and initially announced that Canarias would not authorize the ship's anchoring. However, the Ministry of Public Works imposed on Granadilla Port the reception of the cruise ship, which has ultimately proceeded without the explicit permission of the Canarian executive.
