A pregnant woman experiencing health complications aboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship was airlifted in a dramatic rescue by the US Coast Guard.
The passenger connected to air suspension gear dangled mid-air above the cruise near Puerto Rico as a helicopter hoisted her up.
Drone footage shared by the US Coast Guard showed its MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter hovering near the ship and a single rescuer being lowered down by rope and landing on both feet at the front of the massive vessel.
More than 10 ship crew members, some wearing bright orange vests, were then recorded carrying the passenger on a portable stretcher and laying her down at the front of the ship.
The Coast Guard member prepared a rescue basket and secured the woman still on the stretcher, then signaled to the chopper above. She was lifted while remaining in horizontal position and taken into the aircraft safely by Coast Guard members on Monday morning. The cruise ship doctor was also taken along with her.
‘Our crew was able to quickly, safely, and efficiently execute a long-range MEDEVAC for the patient to receive the higher level of care she required,’ stated Lt Cmdr Todd Stephens on Tuesday.
‘This case demonstrates the value of good crew resource management and the capabilities of our Jayhawk helicopter.’
The patient was a 35-year-old American citizen who required greater medical care ashore, stated the Coast Guard.
Disney Fantasy crew contacted watchstanders in San Juan requesting a medical evacuation as the vessel was in the Atlantic Ocean about 180 miles northwest of Aguadilla. A chopper was deployed from Miami.
The woman was taken to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan and transported to the nearby Centro Medico hospital.
‘We are glad everything came together to help this passenger,’ stated Ensign Michael Riccio of the Coast Guard’s San Juan sector.
‘The competency displayed by the Disney Fantasy crew and the Coast Guard personnel and units involved made all the difference.’
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