Spain confirms it will receive hantavirus-hit cruise ship in Canary Islands

MADRID, May 5 (Reuters) - ​The ⁠Spanish Health ​Ministry confirmed on Tuesday evening it ​would ‌receive the MV ⁠Hondius in the Canary Islands "in ⁠accordance with ​international law and humanitarian principles."

Once in the Canary Islands, ​medical ‌teams would examine and treat all passengers and crew and transfer ​them to their countries, the ‌statement said.

"The World Health Organization has ‌explained that Cape Verde is unable to carry out this ​operation," the health ministry said. "The Canary ‌Islands are the closest location with the necessary capabilities. ⁠Spain ⁠has a ‌moral and legal obligation to assist these ​people, ​among whom ‌are also several Spanish citizens." (Reporting by Aislinn Laing; Editing by Chris Reese)