Medical evacuation Americas South Atlantic Ocean · 27 February 2024
Crew Evacuation (Elevator Accident) on Silver Nova: Incident on 27 February 2024
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What happened
On 27 February 2024, a serious incident aboard the Silversea cruise ship Silver Nova necessitated the emergency medical evacuation of a crew member who sustained severe injuries during elevator maintenance work. The Brazilian Coast Guard executed a critical airlift from the vessel to provide urgent medical attention to the injured crew member.
The incident occurred during a 30-day cruise from Rio de Janeiro to Fort Lauderdale. The ship's master immediately notified passengers via the ship's loudspeaker system, altered course to facilitate the evacuation, and coordinated with the Brazilian Coast Guard for the emergency airlift operation.
Details of the rescue
The medical emergency unfolded when a crew member was injured while working in an elevator shaft. The ship's medical team responded immediately and identified the need for urgent evacuation. Approximately one hour and a half after the incident, the medical team requested O-type blood donations from crew members to support the injured individual's immediate needs. The Brazilian Coast Guard successfully executed an airlift from Deck 11 of the vessel, transferring the crew member to shore-based medical facilities for definitive care.
Casualties
Fatalities
- None reported.
Injuries
- 1 crew member sustained severe injuries during elevator shaft maintenance work.
Rescued
- The injured crew member was successfully evacuated by Brazilian Coast Guard airlift and transferred to shore-based medical care.
Emergency response
The captain immediately informed all passengers of the situation via the ship's loudspeaker system and altered the vessel's course to facilitate the evacuation. The ship's medical team coordinated with the Brazilian Coast Guard, which responded with a critical airlift operation from Deck 11. The crew member was transferred to shore-based medical facilities for urgent treatment.
Current status
The Silver Nova continued its 30-day voyage from Rio de Janeiro to Fort Lauderdale following the successful evacuation and transfer of the injured crew member to medical care.