Passenger Medevac’d After Serious Injury on ms Westerdam Near Da Năng – December 11, 2025

Introduction
A serious onboard medical emergency aboard Holland America Line’s ms Westerdam prompted an urgent overnight medical evacuation near central Vietnam on December 11, 2025. A 69-year-old German passenger was transferred ashore for hospital treatment after sustaining severe injuries in a fall while the ship was underway toward Da Năng.

Details of the Incident

Injury and Initial Assessment:

• The incident occurred in the early hours of December 11, when the passenger fell down a stairway aboard the vessel.
• The ship was approximately 32 nautical miles northeast of Sơn Trà Cape at the time.
• The ship’s doctor provided immediate first aid and assessed the passenger with spleen injuries and suspected internal bleeding, indicating a critical condition beyond the ship’s medical capacity.

Emergency Coordination:

• The captain requested urgent medical assistance from the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (VMRCC).
• Despite rough seas with northeasterly winds and moderate wave conditions, Westerdam was instructed to proceed at full speed toward Da Năng.
• At approximately 03:27 a.m. local time, a pilot boat rendezvoused with the ship to assist with port entry.

Port Arrival and Medevac:

• The vessel docked at Tiên Sa Port, Da Năng at around 04:30 a.m.
• Vietnamese rescue teams, port authorities, and the ship’s local agent were standing by upon arrival.
• The injured passenger was transferred ashore and transported directly to a local hospital for emergency treatment.

Operational Outcome:

• The coordinated response between Westerdam, VMRCC, and Vietnamese medical services enabled a rapid and controlled transfer.
• No other passengers were reported injured in connection with the incident.
• The ship’s itinerary was not reported to have been altered, and subsequent port calls proceeded as scheduled following the emergency stop.

Context:

• Serious falls remain one of the most common causes of onboard medical evacuations on cruise ships, particularly during nighttime hours.
• This incident highlights standard international procedures for handling critical injuries at sea, including rapid diversion, pilot assistance, and coordination with national SAR authorities.