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Introduction
A serious onboard medical emergency aboard the Scandinavian ferry Color Fantasy prompted an urgent medevac on December 13, 2025, 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 still within the Kiel Fjord, necessitating immediate transfer to advanced shore-based medical care.
Details of the Incident
Injury and Initial Response:
- The incident occurred soon after departure from Kiel while the ferry was navigating the outer approaches of the Kieler Förde.
- The crew member’s injuries were assessed as serious and beyond the ship’s medical capacity.
- Ship officers notified the Norwegian Maritime Emergency Coordination Centre (NMCC) Stavanger, triggering an international response.
Rescue Coordination:
- The alert was relayed to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Bremen.
- MRCC Bremen tasked the DGzRS rescue cruiser HANS HACKMACK (MMSI 211235200), stationed in Laboe, to intercept the ferry.
- At approximately 600 metres off Laboe, the rescue vessel came alongside Color Fantasy under calm sea conditions and a moderate westerly breeze.
Transfer and Medical Evacuation:
- The injured crew member was safely transferred from Color Fantasy to the DGzRS rescue cruiser without complication.
- She was 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.
Operational Context:
- Color Fantasy is a 224-metre passenger ferry operating regular overnight services between Kiel and Oslo.
- The medevac occurred while the vessel was still close to shore, allowing for a rapid surface transfer rather than a helicopter hoist at sea.
- The ferry continued its scheduled voyage following the successful evacuation.
Maritime Emergency Response:
- The incident highlights the effectiveness of coordinated Baltic Sea SAR procedures involving NMCC Stavanger, MRCC Bremen, and the DGzRS.
- Such coordination enables swift medical evacuation of injured seafarers from vessels underway, even across national jurisdictions.