US Air Force airlifts critically ill cruise ship passenger in dramatic 8-hour rescue

WASHINGTON (TND) — The U.S. Air Force made a dramatic medical rescue over the weekend and airlifted a critically ill passenger from a Carnival cruise ship 350 nautical miles offshore.

The mission conducted by the 920th Rescue Wing (RQW) on May 4 took over eight hours, more than 1,000 miles flown, and involved three helicopter air-to-air refuelings, according to a news release.

Additionally, two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, and two teams of combat rescue officers and pararescuemen were called into action from Patrick Space Force Base in Florida.

Due to the distance that had to be covered, a HAAR, "which involves connecting a probe from the helicopter to a drogue on the HC-130J aircraft, allowing fuel transfer mid-flight," also had to be deployed.

According to the news release, pararescuemen were hoisted down when the aircraft arrived at the ship and immediately began preparing the patient. The patient and his mother were hoisted up to the helicopter. The patient then received medical attention while on the way to the nearest hospital.

Information has not been released about where the patient was taken for treatment.

Carnival Cruise Line released a statement to The National Desk saying the "Carnival Venezia's team worked with United States Coast Guard and Air Force officials to adjust its course Saturday so a medical helicopter could rendezvous with the ship when a guest on board needed treatment ashore."

A spokesperson added the ship resumed its route to New York and arrived Monday morning as scheduled.

"Everyone in the wing mobilized with exceptional speed," said Capt. Dylan Gann, 301st Rescue Squadron pilot. "By uniting our efforts, we saved crucial time, delivering life-saving assistance six hours ahead of other response teams. Our collective determination and efficiency ensured the successful rescue and transport of the individual in need."