I want to raise the case of the Oceanwide Expeditions liner that is now off the coast of Cape Verde. Just before coming in, I spoke to one of the passengers, Ann Lane, who is a good friend of mine. She was a colleague of many of us in this House. She worked with Mary Robinson for 28 years. She worked with Deputy Ivana Bacik and Senator Michael McDowell. She is a lady who is well known to this House. This is her sixth expedition. She has been to Antarctica four times, and has really enjoyed it. At the moment, the liner is lying off Cape Verde and is not being allowed to dock. Two people have died on board and another two are seriously ill. Seven out of the 90 passengers have contracted the Andes strain of the hantavirus. This is a very serious issue.

Ms Lane informed me that the Oceanwide Expeditions ship is immaculate and that everything on board is done professionally. However, it is not being allowed to dock. This is a matter of serious concern. I asked Ms Lane how they are doing food-wise and she stated that she is really enjoying it. The only thing she is worried about is getting on the scales when she comes home. She is very positive. I heard the news before coming in to the effect that Pedro Sánchez has stated that the ship is going to sail to the Canary Islands.

However, it seems now the Canary Islands will only allow Spanish citizens to dock and they will be transferred to Madrid, while the rest of the people on board have to be repatriated.

I want to bring, as a matter of urgency, the situation of two of our citizens before the House, one of whom we know very well. Ann has said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and consulate have been excellent but we have no solution. It is a life-and-death situation. Behind Ann's humour, it is a very serious situation. Ann is well known to us at the Lighthouse. She is one of my best volunteers and she knows everybody who comes in and out. I hope passengers will be brought ashore safely soon and medical science can intervene.