World Today: Captain of MV Hondius Affected by Hantavirus Speaks Out

This is World Today, a report summarising selected information from various places around the world over the last 24 hours. The lead headline for Tuesday’s edition, 12 May 2026, is the developments regarding hantavirus on the MV Hondius ship. Captain of the MV Hondius speaks out. The captain of the MV Hondius praised the patience of the crew and guests on the ship affected by hantavirus as they disembark and prepare to return to their respective home countries. In his first speech to the public, Captain Jan Dobrogowski said the last few weeks had been “very challenging for all of us.” “What touches my heart the most, what moves me the most, is your patience, discipline, and kindness,” Dobrogowski said. “I have witnessed care, unity, and strength among everyone on board, both guests and crew. And I must praise my crew for the courage and selfless determination they have shown time and again in the most difficult moments.” The latest information from Oceanwide Expeditions indicates that 122 guests and crew have disembarked from the MV Hondius and are in the process of being repatriated. Australia's budget announcement. Australia is expected to record a smaller budget deficit than previously anticipated, ahead of its announcement tonight (12/05). The Australian government is known to be relying on unexpected revenues from commodities, while seeking to accelerate reforms without triggering inflation. Figures from the Treasury Department show the budget deficit will be lower in each fiscal year compared to the government’s last economic projections in December. “There will be more savings and reforms than usual in the face of greater than usual global economic uncertainty,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers told reporters in Canberra. Chalmers added that there will be five major packages in the budget, focusing on fuel security, cost of living and housing, productivity, tax reform, and savings. UK PM faces calls to resign. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is struggling to hold onto his position after more than 70 Labour Party MPs openly called for his resignation. Sir Keir Starmer said he will prove those who doubt him wrong, in his speech to the Labour Party on Monday morning (11/05) local time. “I will not shy away from the fact that there are those who doubt me, including in my own party,” the UK prime minister said. “I will not shy away from the fact that I must prove them wrong and I will do so.” Man accused of shooting at Trump pleads not guilty. The man accused of firing shots at a dinner event in Washington attended by US President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges. Cole Allen, 31, from California, did not speak in court as his lawyer entered the plea on his behalf. The charges include attempted murder of the president, assault on federal officers, and firearms violations. Prosecutors allege that Allen fired a rifle towards US Secret Service agents and stormed a security checkpoint in a failed attack on Trump and administration staff at the White House Correspondents' Dinner last April.