Canaries Helping Hantavirus Cruise Passengers
The Canary Islands are working to help the passengers aboard the MV Hondius, which has been struck by an outbreak of the Hantavirus. One patient was being evacuated in a medical aircraft which had to divert to the military airbase in Gran Canaria with an electrical problem. The aircraft was replaced and the patient continued his journey to The Netherlands aboard the new one.
The ship will arrive in Tenerife on Saturday, and the 149 passengers will be repatriated to their home countries, while maintaining an antivirus “bubble.”
The ship will moor offshore and passengers will be examined by health officials, including two medical experts in epidemiology from the Netherlands, and a professional from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, who will remain on the ship until it reaches the islands. Passengers will then be taken by boat to the pier at Granadilla “for transfer or repatriation with protective equipment, a specific health operation and without contact with the population.” There are 14 Spanish nationals aboard, and they will be flown to Madrid in a military aircraft and placed into compulsory quarantine.
Iberia Confirms No Jet Fuel Issues
Flag carrier Iberia has announced that the airline faces no issues on jet fuel supplies for the whole summer, and guarantees it will not impose any surcharges on passengers. Spain has a good stock of fuel and refines 85% of the country’s needs.
Tourists Ignoring “No Entry” signs to Los Hervideros
Access to Los Hervideros near El Golfo has been closed for five years since part of the road collapsed due to erosion from the waves. The area is considered dangerous, especially on days when the ocean is rough. But despite barriers and warning signs, people continue to visit the area.
Another Tourism Record
Visitors to Lanzarote were up 2.5% in the first three months of this year, reaching a new record. 937,940 people visited the island from January to March, up 22,500.
Sunbeds For Arrecife
The tender has gone out for a new contractor to provide sunbeds and parasols for Playa del Reducto in Arrecife. This should mean they will be in place from next month through until the end of 2029 on the initial contract.
“Lovelocks” Appearing In Puerto del Carmen
The dreaded “lovelocks,” cheap plastic covered padlocks that people attached to railings in Puerto del Carmen have made a reappearance in recent weeks. The Ayuntamiento are asking people not to waste their time and money fitting something that will have to be cut down.
Six Blue Flags For Lanzarote
The badge recognises the quality of the water, safety, accessibility, the provision of services and the environmental management of the beaches. Blue flags have been awarded to Playa Grande, Playa Matagorda and Playa Chica, all in Puerto del Carmen. Additionally, Playa del Reducto in Arrecife and Playa Blanca in Playa Blanca, retain their blue flags.
Bumper Wine Harvest
The 2026 wine harvest is expected to be an excellent one, with currently projections suggesting we could have 2.5 million kilos of grapes, versus 800,000 last year. Favourable weather conditions and hard work in the vineyards should give us plenty of wine to drink next year.
We’ll add more news here as it comes in during the week……
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