Caribbean Princess Emergency Diversion Off Isle of Wight for Passenger Medical Issue

On 13 August 2024, the Caribbean Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, diverted from its Iceland-bound route and came to a halt off the coast near Ryde, Isle of Wight, to facilitate an emergency medical evacuation. The incident occurred shortly after the vessel's departure from Southampton, UK, with the ship stopping at approximately 6:00 p.m. local time to provide immediate assistance to an unwell passenger.

The evacuation was coordinated between the ship's crew and local rescue services, including a Coastguard helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent and the Sandown Lifeboat. The vessel was subsequently anchored off Falmouth, Cornwall, by the morning of August 14 as it prepared to resume its journey.

The medical emergency prompted the master to halt the vessel off the Isle of Wight at approximately 6:00 p.m. A Coastguard helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent was dispatched and circled overhead before landing on the ship to attend to the unwell passenger. The Sandown Lifeboat coordinated with the helicopter and ship's crew to ensure prompt care and safe transfer of the patient. The coordination between the vessel's emergency team and local rescue services demonstrated the effectiveness of established maritime emergency protocols.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• One passenger required medical evacuation; specific condition not disclosed.

Rescued

• One passenger evacuated via Coastguard helicopter; transferred to local medical care.

The UK Coastguard responded immediately to the medical emergency. A helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent was dispatched to the scene and landed on the Caribbean Princess to provide emergency medical assistance. The Sandown Lifeboat coordinated with the helicopter and ship's crew to facilitate the safe evacuation of the unwell passenger. Following the evacuation, the vessel proceeded to Falmouth, Cornwall, where it anchored temporarily before resuming its voyage to Iceland.

The Caribbean Princess was anchored off Falmouth, Cornwall, by the morning of 14 August 2024, and prepared to continue its journey towards Iceland. The incident represents one of several medical emergencies that have necessitated similar diversions by Princess Cruises vessels.