30-Year-Old Female Crew Medevac’d from Color Fantasy Ferry off Laboe – 13 December 2025

On 13 December 2025, a serious medical emergency aboard the Scandinavian ferry Color Fantasy prompted an urgent medevac shortly after the vessel departed Kiel, Germany, en route to Oslo, Norway. A 30-year-old female crew member sustained severe injuries while the ship was navigating the outer approaches of the Kiel Fjord, necessitating immediate transfer to advanced shore-based medical care.

The Norwegian Maritime Emergency Coordination Centre (NMCC) Stavanger and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Bremen coordinated a rapid international response. The injured crew member was safely transferred to a DGzRS rescue cruiser off Laboe and subsequently airlifted by helicopter to a specialised hospital for treatment. The ferry continued its scheduled voyage following the successful evacuation.

The incident occurred soon after departure from Kiel while Color Fantasy was navigating the outer approaches of the Kieler Förde. Ship officers assessed the crew member's injuries as serious and beyond the vessel's medical capacity, and immediately notified NMCC Stavanger. The alert was relayed to MRCC Bremen, which tasked the DGzRS rescue cruiser HANS HACKMACK (MMSI 211235200), stationed in Laboe, to intercept the ferry. At approximately 600 metres off Laboe, under calm sea conditions and a moderate westerly breeze, the rescue vessel came alongside Color Fantasy. The injured crew member was safely transferred without complication and transported to Laboe Harbour, where land-based emergency services were waiting. Due to the severity of her injuries, a rescue helicopter was dispatched to airlift her to a specialised hospital for further treatment.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• 1 crew member (30-year-old female) sustained severe injuries requiring emergency hospital treatment.

Rescued

• The injured crew member was safely transferred to the DGzRS rescue cruiser and airlifted to hospital.

The incident demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated Baltic Sea search and rescue (SAR) procedures. NMCC Stavanger and MRCC Bremen coordinated the response across national jurisdictions. The DGzRS rescue cruiser HANS HACKMACK, stationed in Laboe, intercepted Color Fantasy and conducted a surface transfer in calm conditions. A rescue helicopter was subsequently dispatched to transport the injured crew member from Laboe Harbour to a specialised hospital, enabling rapid access to advanced medical care.

Color Fantasy continued its scheduled voyage to Oslo following the successful evacuation of the injured crew member.