Dual Medevacs from Crown Princess Near Hawaii - 5 October 2024

On 5 October 2024, the US Coast Guard conducted a critical dual medical evacuation from the Crown Princess, a Princess Cruises vessel operating approximately 50 miles off Cape Kumukahi on Hawaii's Big Island. Two elderly passengers—a 70-year-old man experiencing symptoms of a heart attack and an 86-year-old man suffering from internal bleeding—were airlifted to Hilo Medical Center in stable condition.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu received distress calls and immediately coordinated the emergency response, deploying a Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point to conduct the rescue operation.

Upon notification of the medical emergencies, the US Coast Guard launched a Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point. The operations team successfully hoisted both patients aboard the helicopter in separate lifts and transported them to Hilo Medical Center. Both patients arrived in stable condition and received prompt medical care upon arrival.

Patients evacuated

• 70-year-old male passenger with symptoms of heart attack
• 86-year-old male passenger with internal bleeding

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• 2 passengers requiring emergency medical evacuation (heart attack symptoms and internal bleeding).

Rescued

• Both patients successfully evacuated and transported to Hilo Medical Center in stable condition.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu coordinated the response following distress calls from the Crown Princess. A Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point was deployed to the vessel's location. The helicopter crew successfully hoisted both patients in separate lifts and transported them directly to Hilo Medical Center for emergency medical treatment.