British Passenger Medevac’d from Star of the Seas off Puerto Rico – 9 March 2026

On 9 March 2026, a medical evacuation was conducted from Royal Caribbean International's Star of the Seas while the vessel was sailing approximately 200 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. A 64-year-old British passenger experienced a serious health emergency requiring urgent transfer to shore-based medical care. The U.S. Coast Guard coordinated the operation, and the passenger was successfully transported to Centro Médico Hospital in Puerto Rico.

Star of the Seas continued its 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary following the evacuation and returned to Port Canaveral on 15 March 2026.

The U.S. Coast Guard dispatched an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen upon notification of the medical emergency. Upon arrival at the vessel, the aircrew conducted a hoist operation to transfer the passenger from the ship to the helicopter. The evacuation was completed without reported complications, enabling rapid transport to advanced medical facilities ashore.

Affected passenger

• 64-year-old British national.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• One passenger with serious health emergency requiring hospital care.

Rescued

• One passenger successfully transferred to Centro Médico Hospital, Puerto Rico.

The U.S. Coast Guard coordinated the medical evacuation, dispatching an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen. The aircrew performed a helicopter hoist operation to safely transfer the passenger from the vessel. The patient was transported to Centro Médico Hospital in Puerto Rico for advanced medical treatment not available onboard.

Star of the Seas completed its 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary and returned to Port Canaveral on 15 March 2026. The vessel resumed normal operations following the evacuation.