Civil Guar officer dies of hearth attack during MV Hondius evacuation. Photo: Shutterstock World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed condolences for the Civil Guard officer who died of a heart attack on Sunday night, May 10, 2026.
"The officer was supporting the Spanish authorities’ operation, in coordination with the WHO, to safely evacuate people from the MV Hondius in Puerto de Granadilla to the airport for their repatriation."
"Emergency responders at the dock immediately began resuscitation efforts but, sadly, were unable to save his life. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. I also reiterate my admiration and profound gratitude to the people of Tenerife and the Spanish authorities working on this operation."
Spain's Health Minister, Monica Garcia, also expressed her "condolences for the passing of the Civil Guard officer who yesterday suffered a cardiac arrest in Tenerife. All my affection to his family and colleagues."
"Of the 54 people remaining on the ship, 28 will disembark this afternoon in the Canary Islands, and 26 will continue on board heading to the Netherlands," Garcia added.
Of the 17 Americans airlifted from the MV Hondius after an Andes hantavirus outbreak, two were placed in biocontainment units after one tested mildly positive to PCR testing for the Andes hantavirus, and the other one exhibited mild symptoms. A French repatriated passenger also showed symptoms during the rescue flight from the North Atlantic.