56-Year-Old Woman Medevac’d from MSC Orchestra off Sardinia Island, Italy – December 31, 2025

Introduction
A medical evacuation was carried out from MSC Orchestra on the morning of December 31, 2025, after a 56-year-old Peruvian passenger suffered a cerebrovascular stroke while the vessel was en route to Valencia, Spain. The coordinated response involved Italian maritime authorities, medical specialists, and coast guard rescue units operating off the coast of Sardinia.

Details of the Medical Emergency

Alert and Location:

• The medical alert was logged shortly before 06:30 a.m. as the ship transited the Gulf of Asinara.
• At the time, MSC Orchestra was approximately 50 nautical miles (90 km / 60 mi) from Porto Torres, northern Sardinia.
• The passenger was assessed onboard by the ship’s medical team after exhibiting symptoms consistent with a stroke.

Medical Assessment and Coordination:

• The ship’s doctor consulted with the International Radio-Medical Center (CIRM) in Rome.
• Following evaluation, it was determined that the patient required urgent hospital treatment ashore.
• The Italian Port Authority coordinated the response with the national Operations Center in Rome and the ship’s bridge.

Rescue Operation:

• The Coast Guard at Porto Torres instructed the vessel to adjust course toward a central area of the Gulf of Asinara where sea conditions were more favorable.
• A search-and-rescue patrol craft departed Porto Torres and rendezvoused with the cruise ship at approximately 09:50 a.m., about 5 nautical miles offshore.
• The passenger was transferred to the rescue vessel without complication.

Transfer Ashore and Aftermath:

• The operation concluded around 10:25 a.m. with the patient landed at the Porto Torres Port Authority pier.
• She was placed in the care of Italy’s 118 emergency medical service and transported by ambulance to a hospital in Sassari for further treatment.
• Following the evacuation, MSC Orchestra was cleared to resume its voyage toward Valencia.