Hantavirus - The Next Steps, 23rd May 2026
Report and photos from Philip KendallSince the daring parachute drop on the 9th May 2026, our focus has been on giving the best care possible to our infected patient, supporting our excellent medical team and working out how to get the paratroopers off the island. As one of our visitors told me, until we can devise a way of parachuting back up, the only way off the island is by ship. Whilst the two military medics have been working hard in the hospital, the other paratroopers have been getting involved in the community. They helped Agriculture Department with some fencing, visited the school and even managed to do some pathfinding on the base. |
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| Right: A sight that won't be seen again on Tristan any time soon Parachutes being laid out in Prince Philip Hall |
Relief Visit by HMS Medway
A Public Notice announcing the following developments was issued on the island on the 20th May.
HMS Medway has travelled all the way up from the Falklands with a relief (civilian) medical team and more medical provisions. Having arrived after dark on Friday 22nd May, they will be here for a few days before heading back to the Falklands with the paratroopers.
Briefing in HMS Medway's wardroom. Photo: Ministry of Defence
On Saturday morning, first light, the Medway made her approach just outside Calshot Harbour and made radio contact.
HMS Medway off Tristan on the 23rd May 2026.
Although the island and ship were both ready, the weather had other ideas, so HMS Medway will patrol the area until the weather improves. The paratroopers are ready in case a window of opportunity appears.
HMS Medway stationed off Calshot Harbour early Saturday morning, awaiting a break in the stormy weather.
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| Paratroopers making their way to the harbour in readiness for their departure. | |
The Islands' Gratitude
The good news is that the one suspected case on Tristan is now well enough to recuperate at home, and whilst we have a handful of people in precautionary isolation, we are moving in the right direction. The newly arrived civilian medics will relieve our tired medical team and give them all a well deserved rest, therefore enhancing the medical resilience of the island.
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The paratroopers had a video call with the Governor and he presented them all (through me) the Governor's challenge coin. The only other recipient on Tristan was Owen Glass after he became the youngest person to speak in Parliament. In order to say thank you to the paratroopers, the Chief Islander and I invited them to the Residency for a drink, where we gave short speeches of thanks and exchanged plaques. It is hard to put into words how grateful we are to these brave men. |
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| The Governor's Challenge Coin. |
Islanders say thank you to the paratroopers and army medics with drinks at The Residency.
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| Administrator Philip Kendall exchanging plaques with Captain George Lacey during thank you drinks. | |