Evacuees from the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was struck by a hantavirus outbreak, have begun returning home from the Canary Islands. The repatriation operation started on Sunday. Three passengers have died from the rare disease, which usually spreads among rodents. Health officials have emphasized that the risk to global public health is low. Passengers were transferred to shore on smaller vessels and then by bus to the airport. They boarded repatriation flights, with the first flight taking Spaniards to Madrid for quarantine. A plane bound for the Netherlands was taking 27 people, including Belgian, Greek, German, Guatemalan, and Argentine citizens. Separate flights for Turkish, British, Irish, and US citizens were also planned. Authorities have warned that the operation must be completed by Monday due to adverse weather conditions. The WHO confirmed six cases out of eight suspected ones. The MV Hondius had arrived at Tenerife early Sunday morning from Cape Verde. The first infection is believed to have occurred before the expedition.