56-Year-Old Female Passenger Medevac’d from Costa Diadema off Brazil – 29 December 2025

On 29 December 2025, a 56-year-old female passenger aboard the cruise vessel Costa Diadema required urgent medical evacuation while the ship was sailing along Brazil's southern coast near Laguna, Santa Catarina. The passenger presented symptoms consistent with suspected meningitis and was safely transferred ashore at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time with no other passengers or crew reported affected.

The coordinated response involved the Laguna Port Authority, Santa Catarina Military Fire Department, and local emergency medical services. Costa Diadema was cleared to resume its voyage to Buenos Aires following the disembarkation.

The medical emergency was reported at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time as Costa Diadema navigated near the Mar Grosso area of Laguna, Santa Catarina. The vessel held position roughly half a nautical mile offshore during the operation. Following a request from the Laguna Port Authority, the Santa Catarina Military Fire Department was deployed to assist. Firefighters escorted the ship's tender carrying the passenger through the harbor entrance to the pier, where a medical team from the Mobile Emergency Care Service was standing by.

Affected passenger

• 1 female passenger, age 56, presenting symptoms consistent with suspected meningitis.

Other passengers and crew

• No other passengers or crew were reported affected during the incident.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• 1 passenger with suspected meningitis symptoms requiring hospital evaluation.

Rescued

• 1 passenger safely transferred ashore and transported to Laguna Hospital for further evaluation.

The Laguna Port Authority coordinated the response, deploying the Santa Catarina Military Fire Department to assist with the evacuation. Firefighters escorted the tender through the harbor entrance, and a medical team from the Mobile Emergency Care Service was positioned at the pier for immediate assessment. The passenger was transported by ambulance to Laguna Hospital following initial evaluation at the pier. Firefighting personnel subsequently escorted the tender back to the vessel.

Costa Diadema was cleared to resume its voyage to Buenos Aires following the disembarkation. Authorities have not released updates regarding the passenger's condition following hospital admission.