Portuguese air force helicopter has medevaced a crew member from Saga Sapphire on Saturday, January 27, south of the island of Madeira.
The rescue operation was the result of coordination between Portuguese navy, via the Center for Coordination of Maritime Search & Rescue of Ponta Delgada (MRCC), and Funchal Search & Rescue Coordination Sub-Center (MRSC), Air Force (FAP) and Regional Service (SRPC).
The crew member was a 24-year-old British national. Saga Sapphire was sailing about 431 km (233 miles) southwest of Madeira.
The alert was received at 8:37 a.m. by MRSC Funchal. A rescue helicopter and C295 aircraft of Madeira Air Detachment of FAP, situated in Porto Santo island were dispatched to the ship.
The helicopter hoisted the man aboard and flew him to Madeira airport at around 3:50 p.m. and was then taken to Dr. Nelio Mendonca Hospital in Funchal.
For other Saga Sapphire accidents and incidents see at the ship's CruiseMinus page.