An elderly cruise passenger aboard the Holland America ship faced a medical emergency after falling down a staircase amidst rough seas. The 69-year-old German passenger suffered a spleen injury and suspected internal bleeding during the incident, which took place on December 11 off the coast of Da Nang, Vietnam. The passenger’s condition was deemed critical by the ship’s onboard medical staff, prompting an urgent request for rescue from maritime authorities.
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The Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (VMRCC) confirmed the evacuation of the injured passenger, with the incident occurring in the early hours of the morning around 2:18 a.m. local time. The Westerdam ship was navigating through challenging waters approximately 32 nautical miles from Da Nang when the accident happened. The ship’s crew provided immediate first aid to the passenger before reaching out for emergency assistance due to the severity of the injuries.
Following the captain’s distress call, the VMRCC coordinated a rescue operation, directing the ship to head towards Da Nang at top speed to mitigate the risk of internal bleeding for the injured passenger. A pilot boat rendezvoused with the cruise ship at buoy No. 0, and the Westerdam safely docked at Tien Sa Port, where the patient was swiftly transferred to Vinmec Da Nang Hospital for further medical care.
As of the latest reports, the current condition of the elderly passenger remains undisclosed. At the time of the incident, the Holland America ship was accommodating 1,900 passengers on a journey from Quang Ninh to Tien Sa Port. The vessel’s scheduled voyage, part of a 27-day round-trip through the Far East, The Philippines, and Malaysia, has been unaffected by the medical evacuation.
Despite facing this challenging situation, Holland America has not issued a public statement in response to the incident. The cruise industry has faced similar emergencies in the past, underlining the importance of prompt and efficient medical response capabilities on board ships navigating unpredictable waters.
Safety measures and medical facilities on cruise ships play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of passengers, particularly during unforeseen events like the one experienced by the elderly German individual on the Holland America ship. The coordinated efforts of maritime authorities, onboard medical staff, and rescue teams are essential components in managing and responding to such emergencies effectively and swiftly.
It is imperative for cruise operators to prioritize passenger safety and well-being, implementing robust protocols and procedures to handle medical emergencies and incidents at sea. As the elderly passenger undergoes treatment in Da Nang, the cruise industry continues to navigate challenges, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and response mechanisms to safeguard passengers and crew members on voyages around the world.