SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -The Coast Guard medevaced a 47-year-old man Thursday morning from the Celebrity Reflection cruise ship, approximately 35 nautical miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Watchstanders with the Coast Guard Sector San Juan Command Center were contacted by the crew of the Celebrity Reflection, who requested Coast Guard assistance in transporting a passenger in medical distress to a local hospital. Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-65 Dolphin helicopter to medevac the patient from the cruise ship.
Upon arriving on scene with the Celebrity Reflection, the Coast Guard helicopter crew hoisted the patient and cruise ship nurse onboard the aircraft and transported them to the Centro Medico Hospital in San Juan, where the patient was received by awaiting emergency medical personnel.
“We were happy to help the patient reach a higher level of care,” said Lt. Matt Hardgrove, “Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircraft commander. “The assistance of the cruise ship was appreciated and we are hoping the patient makes a full recovery.”
