SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew conducted a medical evacuation of a passenger from the cruise ship Star Pride, approximately 150 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico, Monday.
The patient, an 81-year-old man experiencing a medical emergency, required a higher level of care at a shoreside hospital.
Sector San Juan watchstanders initially received the urgent medical evacuation request from the Star Pride at approximately 5 p.m. Saturday, when the vessel was located roughly 900 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico.
After maintaining continuous communications with the ship and monitoring the medical situation over the weekend, a MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew launched to rendezvous with the Star Pride at 3 p.m. Upon arriving on scene, the aircrew executed a precision hoist operation to safely lift the patient and the ship’s nurse from the cruise ship.
Following the hoist, the crew transported the patient directly to the Centro Médico Médico Hospital in San Juan for advanced medical care.
“Air Station Borinquen and Sector San Juan train relentlessly to mitigate the risks associated with demanding Coast Guard missions like long-range medical evacuations,” said Cmdr. Scott Verhage, Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen operations officer. “Our ultimate goal is to execute safe, highly efficient operations within a dynamic and unforgiving maritime environment.”
Coast Guard Southeast District crews remain ready 24/7 to respond to mariners in distress, working alongside partner agencies to protect lives and ensure the safety of those on the water.
More information about the U.S. Coast Guard can be found at www.uscg.mil. Follow us on X and Instagram, like us on Facebook
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