Coast Guard Medevacs Passenger from Symphony Of The Seas: Incident on 15 March 2024

On 15 March 2024, a 56-year-old male passenger aboard the cruise vessel Symphony Of The Seas required urgent medical evacuation while the ship was navigating approximately 116 nautical miles southwest of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. The passenger exhibited symptoms indicative of a stroke, prompting an immediate response from the U.S. Coast Guard. The medevac operation was completed successfully, with the patient transported to hospital care in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The incident occurred during the latter stages of an 8-day Southern Caribbean Cruise itinerary. The U.S. Coast Guard Station San Juan coordinated the emergency response and helicopter evacuation.

Upon receiving the distress call, the U.S. Coast Guard Station San Juan dispatched an aircrew to the vessel's location. The passenger was hoisted aboard the rescue helicopter and transported to Mercedita International Airport in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He was subsequently transferred by ambulance to a local hospital for further medical treatment and evaluation.

Affected passenger

• 56-year-old male passenger requiring emergency medical evacuation

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• 1 passenger with symptoms indicative of stroke requiring emergency medical evacuation.

Rescued

• 1 passenger successfully evacuated and transported to hospital care.

The U.S. Coast Guard Station San Juan received the distress call and dispatched a rescue helicopter aircrew to the vessel's location. The medevac operation was executed efficiently, with the patient hoisted aboard the helicopter and flown to Mercedita International Airport in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where ground ambulance transport to a local hospital was arranged for continued medical treatment.

• U.S. Coast Guard (emergency): VHF Channel 16 or +1 787 289 2000