Coast Guard Medevacs 32-Year-Old Man from ms Zaandam Off Oahu, Hawaii: Incident on 26 November 2024

On 26 November 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a medical evacuation of a 32-year-old man from Holland America Line's ms Zaandam approximately 50 miles off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The patient exhibited symptoms consistent with a stroke and was transferred to The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu, arriving in stable condition.

The ms Zaandam's ship's doctor initiated contact with the Coast Guard on Monday morning when the vessel was approximately 330 miles northeast of Oahu. Following consultation with a USCG flight surgeon, the decision was made to conduct an immediate medevac.

Early Tuesday morning, a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and a C-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Station Barbers Point were dispatched to the vessel's location. The helicopter crew hoisted the patient and an accompanying nurse from the ship, providing medical attention during the transfer to The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• 1 patient evacuated with symptoms consistent with stroke; arrived at hospital in stable condition.

Rescued

• 1 patient and 1 nurse transferred safely to The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu.

The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point responded with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and C-130 Hercules aircraft. The helicopter crew conducted the hoisting operation and provided medical care during transport to the hospital in Honolulu.

The ms Zaandam continued its scheduled 17-day roundtrip voyage to Hawaii, with a return to San Diego on 7 December 2024. The patient's status at The Queen's Medical Center was not disclosed beyond the initial report of stable condition upon arrival.