Passenger Medevac’d from Celebrity Apex off Puerto Rico – December 11, 2025

Introduction
A passenger aboard Celebrity Apex was medically evacuated by the United States Coast Guard on December 11, 2025, after becoming seriously ill while the ship was sailing north of Puerto Rico. The coordinated airlift occurred as the vessel transited open waters en route from St. Kitts to Port Canaveral, Florida.

Details of the Medical Evacuation

Emergency Call and Location:

• Coast Guard Sector San Juan received the medevac request early Thursday morning.
• The cruise ship was located approximately 24 nautical miles north of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, at the time of the call.
• The patient was reported to be a 65-year-old male with multiple medical conditions requiring urgent advanced care.

Rescue Operation:

• An MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter was launched from USCG Air Station Borinquen.
• Upon arrival, a rescue swimmer was lowered onto the deck of Celebrity Apex to assess the patient and coordinate with shipboard medical staff.
• The passenger was secured in a rescue litter and hoisted into the helicopter.
• The patient’s spouse was also airlifted using a rescue basket so she could accompany him ashore.

Transfer Ashore:

• After retrieving the rescue swimmer, the helicopter transported both individuals to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan.
• Local emergency medical services were waiting and transferred the pair by ambulance to Centro Médico Hospital for further treatment.

Aftermath:

• No further details regarding the passenger’s condition have been released.
• Celebrity Apex continued its voyage toward Port Canaveral following the successful evacuation.
• The operation highlights routine cooperation between cruise lines and U.S. Coast Guard assets for medical emergencies at sea.