Hantavirus outbreak on Antarctic cruise: Can passengers sue the operator?

Written by: Express Intern 3 min read May 13, 2026 10:03 PM IST Passengers aboard the MV Hondius expedition cruise ship may face legal hurdles in pursuing claims against the operator after the deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to the Antarctic voyage. (File Photo) Passengers aboard the Antarctic expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, which was hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, may have limited legal options if they decide to sue the operator, legal experts told Reuters . The Dutch-flagged vessel, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, was carrying nearly 150 passengers and crew near Antarctica when global health authorities were informed on May 3 about a cluster of severe respiratory illnesses onboard. What happened onboard? The outbreak was later confirmed as hantavirus after the virus was detected in a passenger treated in South Africa after disembarking in late April. While hantavirus is typically spread through contact with rodents, health authorities said the strain linked to the ship could spread from human to human. According to the World Health Organization, nine cases had been reported as of Monday, with three deaths linked to the outbreak. Authorities are still investigating how the virus entered the ship. Can passengers sue the cruise operator? Reuters reported that Oceanwide’s terms and conditions state the company cannot be held liable for incidents ranging from illness and death to theft or lost luggage. However, Dutch legal experts said such broad liability waivers may not fully protect the company if passengers can prove “gross negligence” or reckless conduct. Story continues below this ad Under Dutch law, this would require evidence that the company knowingly ignored serious risks — such as failing to follow infection-control measures or disregarding warnings from health authorities. So far, there have been no public allegations of misconduct against the crew. Some passengers have reportedly praised the ship staff for their handling of the crisis. Which country’s laws would apply? The cruise operator’s ticket conditions reportedly specify that lawsuits must be filed in the District Court of Middelburg in the Netherlands. Legal experts told Reuters that courts in countries such as the United States generally uphold such jurisdiction clauses, meaning cases filed elsewhere could be dismissed. Story continues below this ad Passengers could still challenge the company’s liability waivers under European Union consumer protection laws, arguing the terms unfairly favour the operator. What about families of deceased passengers? Relatives of passengers who died could also pursue legal claims. But they would likely face the same challenge of proving gross negligence or recklessness by the operator. Reuters noted that there is little Dutch legal precedent involving cruise ship outbreaks. Similar lawsuits filed against cruise companies during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States were often dismissed because plaintiffs struggled to directly link operators to infections. The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd Tags: antarctica