Passenger Medevaced from Crown Princess Off the Isle of Pines: Incident on 8 January 2025

On 8 January 2025, a passenger was medically evacuated from the Crown Princess cruise ship while the vessel was sailing near the Isle of Pines, New Caledonia. The patient required urgent medical attention and was successfully transferred via French Air Force helicopter to Noumea for advanced care, with the operation concluding at 5:30 a.m. local time.

The French Air Force coordinated the overnight rescue operation after consultation with the Crown Princess onboard medical team determined that the passenger needed hospital-level treatment unavailable at sea.

The medical emergency was identified on the evening of January 7th while the Crown Princess was positioned approximately 210 nautical miles southeast of the Isle of Pines. Following consultation between the ship's medical team and French authorities, a French Air Force Puma helicopter was dispatched to the vessel. The complex overnight operation proceeded safely, with the patient transferred to the helicopter and flown to Noumea. The passenger was admitted to Medipole Hospital upon arrival at 5:30 a.m. on January 8th.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• One passenger required medical evacuation for urgent medical condition.

Rescued

• One passenger successfully transferred to French Air Force helicopter and transported to Noumea for hospital care.

The French Air Force responded to the medical emergency by dispatching a Puma helicopter to the Crown Princess. The operation was coordinated between the ship's medical team and French authorities to ensure safe transfer of the patient during overnight conditions. The passenger was transported to Medipole Hospital in Noumea for advanced medical treatment.

The Crown Princess continued its voyage following the successful evacuation. The patient was admitted to Medipole Hospital in Noumea for ongoing care.