A hantavirus-hit cruise ship carrying more than 140 people arrived near Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands as authorities prepare a tightly controlled evacuation. 

Three people linked to the outbreak have died, while five passengers who left the ship earlier tested positive for the virus. The World Health Organization, Spanish authorities, and cruise operator Oceanwide Expeditions are overseeing the evacuation process. 

Passengers and crew will be screened for symptoms and flown directly to their home countries without contact with the local population. The ship, MV Hondius, will later sail to the Netherlands for disinfection.