In the early hours of Easter Sunday, April 20, a medical emergency unfolded aboard the National Geographic Venture, a cruise ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions, while she sailed approximately 15 nautical miles off the coast of Coos Bay, Oregon. A 30-year-old crew member reportedly began exhibiting acute medical symptoms, prompting a swift response from the U.S. Coast Guard.
At 6:38 a.m., Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received notification that the crewman was suffering from persistent vomiting and labored breathing. After consulting with the duty flight surgeon, it was determined that an immediate medevac was necessary.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was launched from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend without delay. By 8:00 a.m., the aircraft had reached the National Geographic Venture, where it executed a precision hoist from the vessel’s deck. The crewman was safely lifted aboard and transported to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay. Upon arrival, he was reported to be in stable condition.
Lieutenant Christopher Saylor, the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for Sector Columbia River, later remarked that the success of the operation was due to the seamless collaboration among all parties involved. He emphasized that the safe execution of such missions hinges on expert coordination between flight crews, the ship’s master, and the watchstanders ashore.
For more National Geographic Venture incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.