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Introduction
An urgent medical evacuation was carried out for an 8-year-old boy from the Royal Princess cruise ship, demonstrating the critical response capabilities of maritime and medical teams.
Details of the Incident
The medical emergency occurred approximately 20 miles west of Eureka, California. The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted early in the morning about the boy’s acute appendicitis condition, necessitating his immediate evacuation to receive necessary medical care.
Rescue Operation
Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay coordinated the evacuation after receiving the distress call from the Royal Princess. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter was dispatched, reaching the cruise ship by 08:00 a.m. The boy and his accompanying family members were hoisted aboard the helicopter and flown directly to Saint Joseph Hospital in Eureka, where they landed at approximately 09:40 a.m.
Impact on Cruise Itinerary
At the time of the incident, the Royal Princess was navigating a 7-day voyage from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Los Angeles, California. Despite the medical emergency, the ship’s itinerary was minimally disrupted.