India, May 7 -- A deadly hantavirus outbreak linked to the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius has triggered global health concerns after three passengers died and several others fell ill during the voyage.

According to reports, at least eight confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases have been connected to the ship, which has been stranded off the coast of Cape Verde since Sunday. The vessel had departed from Ushuaia in southern Argentina on April 1.

Dutch officials confirmed that around 40 passengers disembarked on the island of St. Helena, while nearly 150 people remain onboard as the ship prepares to continue toward Spain's Canary Islands.

The cruise operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, said three passengers required emergency evacuation. Two ...