Emergency Medevac of Worker on Utopia Of The Seas During Sea Trials: Incident on 11 May 2024

On 11 May 2024, a male worker sustained serious injuries during sea trials of the Utopia Of The Seas in the Bay of Biscay, approximately 8 nautical miles off Belle-Île, France. An emergency medical evacuation was initiated immediately, with the injured worker airlifted by helicopter and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The incident was reported to French authorities at 4:21 pm (14:21 UTC) and coordinated by the Atlantic Maritime Prefecture's Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center. Sea trials resumed after all personnel safety was confirmed.

The injured worker was hoisted from the vessel in a rescue basket by a helicopter team from Sécurité Civile (French Civil Defense Rescue). The operation was conducted efficiently with the ship positioned approximately 8 nautical miles off Belle-Île. The worker was then transported to a local hospital for immediate medical treatment.

Personnel onboard

• Over 900 crew and contract workers specializing in engineering, navigation, and naval architecture.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• 1 male worker sustained serious injuries requiring emergency medical evacuation and hospital treatment.

Rescued

• The injured worker was successfully airlifted and transported to hospital.

French authorities were notified at 4:21 pm (14:21 UTC). The Atlantic Maritime Prefecture's Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center coordinated the response. Sécurité Civile (French Civil Defense Rescue) deployed a helicopter team to conduct the emergency evacuation. The worker was hoisted from the vessel in a rescue basket and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Sea trials of the Utopia Of The Seas resumed following confirmation that all personnel safety protocols had been observed and the emergency response was complete.