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Introduction
On November 3, 2024, Celebrity Edge altered its course off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, to facilitate the medical evacuation of a male crew member. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) coordinated the rescue operation, ensuring the crew member received timely medical attention.
Details of the Incident
As Celebrity Edge was returning to its homeport after a 4-day “Tasmania Cruise,” the ship deviated from its planned route to rendezvous with a Toll Ambulance Rescue helicopter dispatched from Wollongong. A rescue aircraft from Essendon, Melbourne also provided assistance. The rendezvous point was at sea, southeast of Eden, New South Wales. The crew member was winched from the ship and airlifted to a hospital in Bega, NSW.
Operational Context
The medevac operation highlights the challenges of providing medical care at sea and the importance of effective coordination between maritime authorities and rescue services. The incident caused a minor deviation from the ship’s itinerary, but ultimately ensured the crew member received necessary medical treatment.