U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) crews from San Diego and Sacramento worked together to rescue an ailing cruise ship passenger in need of medical attention earlier this week.
The cruise ship, Zaandam, was traveling approximately 200 miles southwest of San Diego Thursday afternoon when a 71-year-old passenger began experiencing a serious internal medical condition, USCG officials said.
The ship was en route from Hawaii to Ensenada, Mexico, and quickly changed course to reduce its distance to San Diego. The ship’s crew contacted the Coast Guard and asked for an emergency medical evacuation for the passenger.
USCG officials say an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew took off from San Diego to meet the ship. A C-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Sacramento also launched to provide coordination support and communication during the rescue.
The USCG helicopter crew hoisted the ailing woman into the aircraft from the ship and transported her to Sector San Diego. Emergency medical crews then transported her to a local hospital. Her current condition is unknown.
