Videos: Coast Guard Evacuates Sick Passenger

October 17, 2016

[Updated with videos] Local officials are currently helping to coordinate the helicopter evacuation of a sick passenger from the Norwegian Gem cruise ship, with the aircraft and helicopter due to refuel in Bermuda before rendezvousing with the ship.

Update: US Coast Guard helicopter & C-130 taking off from Bermuda at approximately 11pm

The Duty Officer said, “RCC Bermuda and RCC Norfolk are currently coordinating the helicopter evacuation of an ill passenger from cruise ship Norwegian Gem, located approximately 190 miles southwest of Bermuda.

“The Norwegian Gem contacted RCC Bermuda early this morning to report that a 43-year-old U.S. national was in need of medical evacuation due to suspected appendicitis.

Update: Patient transferred from helicopter to an ambulance at approximately 1am

“The ship originally on route from New York to Antigua is diverting towards Bermuda to rendezvous with a U.S. Coast Guard MH60 helicopter around midnight tonight, approximately 70 miles southwest of Bermuda.

“The C-130 fixed wing aircraft and MH60 helicopter are due to refuel in Bermuda within the next few hours before rendezvousing with the ship a short while later.”