which are part of Spain. "The Department of State is arranging a repatriation flight to support the safe return of American passengers on this ship," a State Department spokesperson said. The State Department said it was coordinating with the Spanish government as well as other US federal agencies. "We are in direct communication with Americans on board and are prepared to provide consular assistance as soon as the ship arrives in Tenerife, Spain," the spokesperson said on condition of anonymity. The ship operator said that 17 Americans were onboard. The State Department did not immediately give a number of US passengers. Three passengers from the MV Hondius -- a Dutch husband and wife and a German woman -- have died, while others have fallen sick with the rare disease, which usually spreads among rodents. The only hantavirus strain that can transmit from person to person -- Andes virus -- has been confirmed among those who have tested positive, fueling international concern. The ship is due in Tenerife on Sunday. (Bssnews)