Cruise ship horror as passengers airlifted to hospital in critical condition

A cruise ship was left in horror as two passengers suffered near-fatal issues while at sea. Rescuers were deployed to the Ruby Princess cruise ship off the coast of Canada on Sunday.

It came as a 52-year-old woman was placed on life support after suffering a cardiac arrest and a 99-year-old man had a “complete esophageal obstruction”. The ship was around 50 miles from Vancouver Island, Canada, as the drama unfolded. The ship is understood to have been sailing from Sitka in Alaska to San Francisco, California, at the time. The US Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Air Force both attended the scene.

A Cormorant helicopter and Kingfisher rescue plane were dispatched from the RCAF’s 19 Wing Comox while a US Coast Guard Dolphin was sent from Port Angeles in Washington. Officials say the Kingfisher plane was used to co-ordinate the rescue.

The woman was hoisted off the boat and taken to Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia. The man was transferred into the care of Life Flight Network at Neah Bay, Washington.

Speaking to CTV News, Captain Dave Moore, commander of the Cormorant, said: “When we arrived at the vessel, everything was very smooth, very professional.The Kingfisher was already on scene, helping the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter.

“They provided top cover and some communications with the vessel, with the other aircraft, and did a good job co-ordinating on scene.”

Corporal Felix Serre, one of the rescuers that were lowered onto the vessel, praised the workers onboard the ship. He said the “medical staff in the cruise ship were incredible”.

Lieutenant Keil Kodama, from 19 Wing Comox, added: “This rescue operation exemplifies the exceptional international co-operation and the rapid emergency response capabilities of both nations.”

The US Coast Guard said the work of the emergency services meant the patients could “receive the care they needed”. Commander Kelly Higgins said: “This case demonstrates how our specialized expertise and dedicated training allows us to rapidly respond to these types of time-sensitive medical evacuations at sea.

“The expert coordination between the Canadian Coast Guard, the Life Flight Network, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard ensured this patient received the care they needed.”

The Ruby Princess is understood to be making its next stop at port in Victoria, British Columbia, on August 30. Princess Cruises, the company that operates Ruby Princess, has been approached for a comment.