A passenger aboard the Celebrity Apex cruise ship was recently airlifted by the U.S. Coast Guard near Puerto Rico in a dramatic rescue operation. The Department of Homeland Security shared a press release on Thursday, Dec. 11, featuring footage of the Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk crew performing the medevac approximately 24 nautical miles north of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The passenger, a 65-year-old man with multiple medical conditions, was safely lifted from the 1004 ft. vessel using the helicopter.
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Lt. Alberto Raymond, the Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk co-pilot, expressed pride in the teamwork that led to the successful transfer of the patient from the Celebrity Apex to receive advanced medical care. The crew’s skills were on full display as they executed the high-stakes operation at sea. The Coast Guard team collaborated with the crew of the Celebrity Apex and emergency responders in San Juan to ensure a smooth rescue mission.
The rescue operation unfolded while the Celebrity Apex was en route from St. Kitts to Port Canaveral, Florida. The Coast Guard received a medevac request from the cruise ship in the early hours of the morning, prompting a swift and coordinated response. Following a thorough assessment of the situation and the patient’s condition, the decision was made to proceed with the airlift at sunrise.
With the deployment of a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter and a rescue swimmer on board the ship, the team sprang into action to lift not only the ailing passenger but also his wife to safety. The helicopter transported the couple to the Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, where they were promptly transferred to the Centro Medico Hospital for further medical attention.
The Celebrity Apex is renowned for its top-notch services and is part of the esteemed fleet that includes Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Beyond. The resort at sea boasts a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating, offering passengers a luxurious cruising experience. Celebrity Cruises, the operator of the Celebrity Apex, was contacted for a statement regarding the incident but had not responded at the time of reporting.
Incidents like these underscore the importance of emergency preparedness and the critical role played by organisations like the U.S. Coast Guard in ensuring the safety of maritime travellers. The successful outcome of this medevac operation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Coast Guard team, who are trained for such high-pressure situations. The collaboration between the Coast Guard, cruise ship personnel, and local emergency services highlights the significance of swift and effective coordination in times of crisis.
As the rescued passenger receives the necessary medical care, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea travel and the importance of having reliable safety measures in place. The meticulous planning and swift action taken by all involved parties helped avert a potential disaster and ensure the well-being of the passenger in need. Cruise ship passengers can take comfort in knowing that dedicated professionals are ready to respond to emergencies at sea, providing assistance when it matters most.