mv hondius evacuation tenerife flight change

Evacuation of MV Hondius in Tenerife alters flight plan

Last-minute change to evacuation plan

The evacuation operation for the cruise ship MV Hondius at the Port of Granadilla in Tenerife has seen a last-minute change to its air logistics. The 22 passengers still on board will no longer be split between two aircraft as originally planned, but will instead travel together on a single direct flight to the Netherlands.

Technical issues force logistical rethink

This modification follows technical problems detected in the aircraft that was due to arrive from Australia to take part in the repatriation operation coordinated by health authorities. Spain’s Health Minister, Mónica García, has overseen the details of this disembarkation, which brings the vessel’s stay in Canary Islands waters to an end. The group flying to European territory consists of four Australian citizens, one New Zealander, one Briton, and several crew members of various nationalities.

Strict deadline for departure

As final details of the flight plan are being completed, the Government’s priority is to ensure that the departure protocol is carried out with complete safety and efficiency from the jetty in the south of the island. Despite initial uncertainty over the exact take-off time, the authorities are committed to ensuring the MV Hondius leaves its anchorage position at the Port of Granadilla before 19:00 local time. This time limit is non-negotiable in order to guarantee the smooth running of port operations in Tenerife.

Who remains on board

The ship has been the focus of media attention following the activation of protocols to manage the situation of its passengers and crew in international transit. The cruise ship currently houses 54 people. After the 22 passengers and crew members who will take the flight to the Netherlands disembark, 32 other crew members will remain on board. These will not travel by air; instead, they will continue the voyage by sea, taking the vessel to its final destination at the port of Rotterdam, thus completing a route that has kept Spain’s External Health Service on alert.

Coordination praised by minister

Minister García has highlighted the coordination between different departments in resolving the problem with the Australian aircraft. Although the change in logistics has required schedules to be readjusted, the main objective remains the safe repatriation of foreign citizens. The MV Hondius, a polar expedition vessel accustomed to complex routes, thus closes a logistical chapter off the coast of Tenerife that required the closest attention of the Ministry of Health.

Key points at a glance

Key point: Departure from the port before 19:00 on Monday. Those affected: 22 people on a single flight to the Netherlands. Continuity: 32 crew members will make the sea voyage to Rotterdam. This logistical operation in Tenerife ensures that the situation involving the MV Hondius will be resolved in the coming hours, allowing the Port of Granadilla to resume normal operations following this coordinated international disembarkation.

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