The vessel MV Hondius arrived off the coast of Tenerife, anchoring in the port of Granadilla de Abona during the early hours of Sunday. An operation coordinated by various administrations has been launched to manage the disembarkation of passengers and part of the crew.
Since early morning, movement has been observed next to the ship, with one of its side doors opening and a small boat approaching. Passengers have been informed that disembarkation will begin from eight in the morning.
“"The central government's decision to allow the vessel to extend its stay in the waters of the Port of Granadilla is a disregard for the Canarian authorities."
The cruise ship's arrival has been marked by political controversy. The president of the Canary Islands described the central government's decision to allow the ship's stay as «disregard», even though passenger departures are scheduled for this Sunday. Subsequently, the Directorate General of Merchant Marine issued a resolution imposing the vessel's entry into the state-owned port, opening the possibility for the ship to dock rather than just being serviced at anchor.
The main objective of the Government is for the vessel to remain in Spanish waters for the shortest possible time and to depart immediately for the Netherlands after evacuating passengers and part of the crew. The operation, meticulously designed by Health, Civil Protection, Maritime Captaincy, and the Port Authority, aims to prevent any contact with the local population and expedite the ship's departure.
