Drone footage recently captured the remarkable moment when a pregnant woman was airlifted from a Disney cruise ship by the U.S. Coast Guard. The video shows a rescuer rappelling down from an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter onto the Disney Fantasy, which was floating in the Atlantic Ocean northwest of Puerto Rico. The 35-year-old woman was then strapped to a gurney and reeled into the helicopter in a heart-pounding moment. According to the Coast Guard, the woman required a higher level of medical care than what onboard doctors could provide in the ship’s medical bay.
US Coast Guard Sector San Juan received a communication from the Disney Fantasy requesting medevac assistance as the ship was transiting 260 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Once on scene, the Coast Guard Jayhawk aircrew deployed a rescue swimmer aboard the cruise ship, who prepared a rescue basket and litter to safely hoist the patient and cruise ship doctor aboard the aircraft. An HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft was also flown in from Air Station Miami to assist in the rescue. The passenger was then airlifted to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and taken to Centro Medico Hospital for further treatment.
Lt. Cmdr. Todd Stephens praised the crew for efficiently executing a long-range MEDEVAC to ensure the patient received the necessary level of care. Ensign Michael Riccio, the Coast Guard Sector San Juan operations unit leader for the case, highlighted the competency displayed by the Disney Fantasy crew and the Coast Guard personnel and units involved in making the difference in successfully carrying out the rescue. The successful outcome was attributed to good crew resource management and the capabilities of the Jayhawk helicopter.
The Disney Fantasy had launched from Port Canaveral, Florida, two days prior to the incident. The ship was on a seven-night itinerary in the Eastern Caribbean, with plans to visit Tortola and St. Thomas before heading to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, and returning to port. While the specifics of the passenger’s condition were not disclosed, the urgency of the situation required swift action to ensure she received the necessary medical attention. The cooperation between the Disney Fantasy crew and the Coast Guard personnel was critical in ensuring a successful outcome.
The video footage of the rescue paints a dramatic picture of the unfolding events as the pregnant woman is airlifted to safety from the cruise ship. The coordination between the various units involved in the rescue operation, including the deployment of the Jayhawk helicopter and the rescue swimmer, highlights the training and expertise of the Coast Guard personnel in handling such challenging situations. The importance of prompt and effective medical care, especially in remote locations such as the open sea, cannot be overstated, and the successful outcome of this rescue mission underscores the dedication and professionalism of all involved.
Disney Cruise Line had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the incident. The company’s focus on guest safety and well-being is evident in the swift response to the medical emergency onboard the Disney Fantasy. The seamless coordination between the cruise ship crew and the Coast Guard in ensuring the passenger received the necessary medical assistance highlights the commitment to passenger safety and care. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with traveling at sea and the importance of having well-trained and prepared personnel to respond to emergencies effectively.
