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Joint Air Rescue Involved U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards, Specialized Helicopters, and Urgent Hospital Transfer During Alaskan Crossing After Medical Alert on Ship 145 Miles Off the Pacific Coast
A 99-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were evacuated for medical reasons from a Princess Cruise Line ship while sailing off the coast of Washington on August 24 of last year, mobilizing rescue forces from two countries due to the severity of the cases.
International Emergency Operation in the North Pacific
The rescue occurred on Sunday, August 24, when two passengers from the cruise ship required immediate medical evacuation during the crossing.
According to a statement released on August 25, the incident happened about 145 miles (approximately 233 nautical km) west of Cape Flattery in the state of Washington.
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The ship was en route to Alaska when operators from the Coast Guard’s Northwest District received the medical alert.
The patients were experiencing distinct and severe conditions, necessitating a rapid response, international coordination, and specialized air resources to ensure proper care in a critical timeframe.
Medical Conditions Required Immediate Evacuation
One of the patients was a 99-year-old man diagnosed with complete esophageal obstruction, a condition deemed a medical emergency by the onboard team.
The other patient was a 52-year-old woman who was on life support after experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest during the voyage.
Given the gravity, a joint force involving the U.S. Coast Guard, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Royal Canadian Air Force was activated.
Helicopter Mobilization: Air Resources and Coordination Between Countries
The rescue mobilized a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and a CC-295 Kingfisher search and rescue aircraft, both from Canada.
The United States Coast Guard also dispatched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, which departed from the Port Angeles airbase.
In footage released by authorities, a crew member hoisted the 99-year-old patient from the Ruby Princess ship to the MH-65 helicopter.
Subsequently, the teams conducted a transfer from wing to wing with the Life Flight Network in Neah Bay, Washington.
Hospital Destination and Medical Evaluation
The 52-year-old patient was hoisted by the Canadian helicopter and transported to Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia.
Authorities confirmed that both missions were successfully completed, ensuring hospital care for the two passengers rescued at sea.
Commander Kelly Higgins of the Coast Guard Air Station in Port Angeles highlighted the speed of the joint response.
According to her, coordination between Canadian and American forces was crucial to ensure the necessary care for the at-risk patient.
Context of the Voyage and Recent Background
According to CruiseMapper, the Ruby Princess ship departed from San Francisco on August 22 for an 11-day journey.
The Alaska cruise includes several stops in the United States and Canada before returning to California, according to the itinerary.
Representatives from Princess Cruises did not immediately respond to requests for comment from PEOPLE magazine.
In October 2024, the Sun Princess ship, from the same company, also recorded medical evacuations during Hurricane Milton.
On Wednesday, October 9, the ship was headed to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale when the port closed due to the category 4 storm.
At that time, the Coast Guard confirmed the rescue of a passenger in need of more intensive medical care while the vessel remained adrift.
With information from People.
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