Hantavirus cruise evacuations begin as passengers fly home from Tenerife on military flights

Over 20 countries coordinated an urgent protective escort

Passengers from the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius are starting to fly home from Tenerife after a coordinated evacuation operation. Military and government planes have begun moving travelers, many escorted by personnel in full protective gear. Spanish and French passengers were reportedly the first to leave, while the wider response involving more than 20 countries is expected to continue through Monday.