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Introduction
On May 8, 2024, the US Air Force’s 920th Rescue Wing conducted a complex medical evacuation operation, airlifting a mother and her son from the cruise ship Carnival Venezia while it was far out at sea. The rescue team deployed specialized aircraft and personnel for the long-range mission.
Details of the Incident
The medevac took place approximately 350 nautical miles off the eastern coast of the United States. Teams of rescue officers and pararescue specialists from Patrick Space Force Base in Brevard County, Florida, responded aboard two Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and two HC-130J Combat King II planes. The 8-hour operation required three air-to-air refuelings to cover the substantial distance to the cruise ship. The mother and son were safely hoisted from Carnival Venezia’s helideck and transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
Operational Context
The incident occurred early in Carnival Venezia’s 11-day “Eastern Caribbean Cruise” itinerary. The voyage had departed New York City on May 6th and included scheduled stops in St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Grand Turk Island, and The Bahamas. The Coast Guard’s swift and coordinated response ensured critical medical care for the passengers, demonstrating the importance of emergency readiness and collaboration in maritime settings.