Medical evacuation Americas US · 29 November 2024
Coast Guard Medevacs Passenger from ms Koningsdam Off US-Mexico Coast: Incident on 29 November 2024
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What happened
On 29 November 2024, a 66-year-old female passenger was medically evacuated from Holland America Line's ms Koningsdam cruise ship approximately 280 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico maritime boundary. The U.S. Coast Guard coordinated the rescue operation after the passenger exhibited symptoms consistent with a stroke. She was transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in San Diego and arrived in stable condition.
The vessel was operating a 14-day "Classic California Coast Baja Peninsula" roundtrip cruise from San Diego at the time of the incident. The Coast Guard commended the successful coordination between its command center, aircrews, and the ship's crew in executing the swift evacuation.
Details of the rescue
The ship's crew requested Coast Guard assistance after the passenger developed stroke-like symptoms. Two aircrews were deployed—one from San Diego and another from Sacramento—to conduct the evacuation. The teams successfully hoisted the passenger from the vessel and transported her directly to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in San Diego, where she was received in stable condition.
Passengers and crew
Passenger evacuated
- 1 female passenger, age 66, exhibiting stroke-like symptoms.
Casualties
Fatalities
- None reported.
Injuries
- 1 passenger with suspected stroke symptoms; transported to hospital in stable condition.
Rescued
- 1 passenger successfully evacuated and transported to medical care.
Emergency response
The U.S. Coast Guard coordinated the response, deploying two aircrews—one from San Diego and one from Sacramento. The aircrews successfully hoisted the passenger from the vessel and transported her to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in San Diego. The Coast Guard highlighted the effective coordination between its command center, the aircrews, and the ship's crew in ensuring the passenger's safe and timely evacuation.
Current status
The passenger was admitted to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in stable condition. The ms Koningsdam continued its voyage following the evacuation.