Coast Guard Helicopter Evacuates Pregnant Passenger from Disney Cruise Ship Off Puerto Rico

On a Monday morning, the U.S. Coast Guard embarked on a daring mission to airlift a pregnant woman from the Disney Fantasy cruise ship, which was located about 260 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The 35-year-old woman had experienced health complications and urgently required a higher level of medical care.

High-Stakes Airlift Operation

The U.S. Coast Guard deployed an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter to carry out the high-stakes medevac operation. A dramatic drone footage captured the heart-pounding moment when a rescuer descended from the helicopter onto the Disney Fantasy, which was floating in the Atlantic Ocean.

The pregnant woman, who was strapped to a gurney, was carefully reeled into the helicopter. The Coast Guard rescue swimmer, along with the cruise ship's medical team, ensured her safe transfer from the vessel to the aircraft. The operation was a testament to the skill and coordination of both the Coast Guard and the Disney Fantasy crew.

Swift Transfer to Higher Care

Following the successful airlift, the pregnant passenger was transported to Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. From there, she was swiftly conveyed to Centro Medico Hospital to receive the critical medical attention she needed.

Lt. Cmdr. Todd Stephens emphasized the value of efficient crew resource management and the remarkable capabilities of the Jayhawk helicopter in executing the challenging long-range medevac. Ensign Michael Riccio praised the competency displayed by the Disney Fantasy crew and the Coast Guard personnel, highlighting their pivotal roles in ensuring the success of the mission.