“"No infections in the Canary Islands from the Hondius: the local population was protected, also with scientific rigor. Let's shed our complexes. Thanks to the population of the Islands, in this case from Granadilla and Tenerife, who were up to the task."
Government Defends Handling of Cruise Ship 'Hondius' Departure from Tenerife
Minister of Territorial Policy highlights the success of the operation and the absence of hantavirus infections in the Canary Islands.
By Jonay Mesa Rodríguez
••2 min read
IA
Generic image of a cruise ship anchored off the coast of Tenerife with volcanic landscape.
The Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, has praised the Spanish Government's management following the conclusion of the 'Hondius' cruise ship's quarantine in Tenerife, emphasizing the absence of hantavirus infections in the Canary Islands.
The head of Territorial Policy described the anchoring and disembarkation operation on the island as a "success," highlighting the central government's actions and Tenerife's capacity to implement highly demanding protocols, serving as a top-tier safe port.
Torres called for a thorough reflection on the incident, recalling the strategic position of the Canary Islands as a European territory in the Atlantic, ideal for trade, tourism, and providing guaranteed humanitarian aid.
The minister criticized "alarmist, unfounded, and frightening messages," stating they only lead to confusion and embarrassment. He stressed that the local population, particularly in Granadilla and Tenerife, rose to the occasion, scientifically preserving the health of residents.
Similarly, the Organization Secretary of PSOE Canarias, Nira Fierro, stated that the actions were based on responsibility and scientific protocols, prioritizing humanity. She added that in contrast to those who chose to create alarm, "national pride" and "Canarian pride" prevail.
Fierro concluded that truthful information, respect for science, and trust in public services are the best responses to uncertainty, once again demonstrating the islands' capability to manage health crises.



