PRAIA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Cape Verde will airlift three patients in the coming hours from the cruise ship MV Hondius, which remains anchored off the Port of Praia, National Director of Health Angela Gomes said Tuesday, following a deadly hantavirus outbreak on board.

Speaking at a press conference, Gomes said the three patients requiring urgent medical care are in stable condition, with no new cases reported among the remaining passengers and crew.

The evacuation will be carried out by specialized air ambulances, with one aircraft already in Cape Verde and another expected to assist. "The transfer will take place as soon as all safety conditions are in place," she said, without specifying a timetable.

Gomes stressed that the risk to Cape Verde remains low, as no passengers have disembarked and there has been no contact with the country's territory.

A sanitary corridor involving maritime and airport authorities has been established to ensure the safe evacuation of patients, medical staff, and the public.

The vessel may be cleared to resume its voyage once the evacuation is completed and sanitary conditions are verified, Gomes said, noting that the outbreak had been reported by international health bodies before the ship entered Cape Verdean waters. ■