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Introduction
On January 30, 2025, a crew member aboard Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess required emergency medical evacuation off the coast of New Zealand during a voyage from Brisbane to Auckland. The Diamond Princess crew medevac involved a complex offshore rescue operation, underscoring the critical role of emergency response systems in remote maritime locations.
Details of the Incident
The Diamond Princess was sailing from Brisbane, Australia, to Auckland, New Zealand, as part of a 14-day roundtrip cruise that departed on January 27, 2025. At approximately 8:00 AM local time, a crew member sustained a severe eye injury, prompting the ship’s medical team to request urgent aerial evacuation.
The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) coordinated the response, dispatching the Northland Rescue Helicopter to perform an offshore winch rescue. The operation was conducted successfully, with the injured crew member airlifted to a hospital in New Zealand for specialized treatment. Princess Cruises has not disclosed the crew member’s nationality, position, or current medical status.
Response and Impact
Princess Cruises confirmed the medical evacuation but emphasized that the incident did not disrupt the ship’s itinerary. The Diamond Princess continued its voyage, remaining on schedule to return to Brisbane on February 10, 2025. The cruise line deferred further comments to the RCCNZ, which has not released additional details about the rescue or the crew member’s condition.