The evacuation of hantavirus-struck cruise ship the MV Hondius has begun off the island of Tenerife, where the ship has anchored.
Spanish health officials described the situation as “unprecedented” on Sunday morning as it confirmed all passengers remain asymptomatic.
The passengers will board sealed-off buses to the island's main airport, about 10 minutes away, to board repatriation planes for heading to their respective countries.
Spanish nationals will be the first to disembark, with other nationalities to follow in groups, government officials said on Saturday.
The 22 British passengers on board are expected to be flown back to the UK the same day. It is understood they will be tested on the ship before they disembark and will then be taken directly from the ship to the plane.
On arrival, they will be taken to a hospital in Wirral, Merseyside, for “clinical assessment and testing”, health officials said. They will be held for 72 hours, after which specialists will decide whether they can isolate at home or another suitable location.
The ship’s arrival has been met with protest on the island, as residents fear possible exposure to the virus.
