Drone footage captured the dramatic moment a pregnant woman was airlifted from a Disney cruise ship by the U.S. Coast Guard. The woman, aged 35, required a higher level of medical care than what was available on board the ship. The rescue operation involved a rescuer rappelling down from a helicopter onto the Disney Fantasy, which was floating in the Atlantic Ocean northwest of Puerto Rico. The woman was strapped to a gurney and reeled into the helicopter in a heart-pounding moment captured on video.
According to a press release from the Coast Guard, the agency received a communication from the Disney Fantasy requesting medevac assistance as the cruise ship was transiting 260 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The Coast Guard deployed a Jayhawk aircrew and a rescue swimmer aboard the cruise ship to prepare a rescue basket and litter for the patient and the cruise ship doctor to be safely hoisted aboard the aircraft. The agency also flew in an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft from Air Station Miami to assist in the rescue operation.
The pregnant woman was airlifted to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before being transported to Centro Medico Hospital for further medical treatment. Lt. Cmdr. Todd Stephens praised the crew for executing a long-range medevac operation quickly, safely, and efficiently, highlighting the value of good crew resource management and the capabilities of the Jayhawk helicopter. Ensign Michael Riccio also commended the competency displayed by the Disney Fantasy crew and the Coast Guard personnel involved in the successful rescue.
The Disney Fantasy had departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, two days prior to the incident. The ship was sailing a seven-night itinerary in the Eastern Caribbean, with scheduled stops in Tortola, St. Thomas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The Coast Guard’s swift response and coordination with the Disney Fantasy crew ensured that the pregnant woman received the necessary medical care in a timely manner. While Disney Cruise Line did not immediately comment on the incident, the successful rescue operation was a testament to the collaboration and professionalism of all parties involved.
The rescue operation highlighted the importance of timely and effective emergency response procedures at sea. The use of drone footage to capture the airlift showcased the precision and skill of the Coast Guard personnel involved. The woman’s safe evacuation from the cruise ship to receive medical treatment on land was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Coast Guard, Disney Fantasy crew, and the medical team involved. The incident underscored the need for cruise ships to have adequate medical facilities on board while also having the capability to request emergency assistance from agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard in situations requiring a higher level of care.
The rescue operation serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges associated with medical emergencies at sea, particularly for pregnant passengers. The successful outcome of the medevac operation highlighted the professionalism and expertise of the Coast Guard personnel in executing a challenging rescue mission. The collaborative effort between the Disney Fantasy crew and the Coast Guard demonstrated the importance of effective communication and coordinated response to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers in emergency situations. The incident also showcased the capabilities of modern technology, such as drones, in capturing critical events at sea for documentation and analysis.
