A medical evacuation operation was executed by the USCG/Coast Guard on Friday, November 29th, following a medical emergency on the ms Koningsdam ship operated by HAL-Holland America Line.
A 66-year-old female passenger, reportedly displaying stroke symptoms, required immediate medical attention.
The Koningsdam was ~280 mi/450 km south of the USA-Mexico maritime boundary when the vessel's crew requested assistance.
In response, the USCG deployed 2 air crews from San Diego and Sacramento to carry out the medevac.
Upon reaching the vessel, the teams successfully transferred the patient to a helicopter, which transported her to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in San Diego. Medical authorities later confirmed that the woman was in stable condition. Her identity was not disclosed.
Lt. Brady Stepan, a pilot at Air Station San Diego, noted that the operation exemplified the purpose of the team's rigorous training. He acknowledged the seamless coordination between the command center and the C-27 cover aircraft crew, which ensured the patient’s swift transfer to advanced medical care.
At the time of the accident, the ship was on a 14-day Classic California Coast Baja Peninsula cruise roundtrip from San Diego.
For more ms Koningsdam incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.