72-Year-Old Stroke Survivor Shares Harrowing Cruise Ship Rescue Experience

A 72-year-old man, Greg Tomensky, recounted his rescue from a Holland America cruise ship after suffering a medical emergency. Traveling with his wife, Mary, on what they hoped would be the trip of a lifetime—a 35-day cruise from San Diego to Hawaii and French Polynesia—Tomensky’s journey took a serious turn.

Just ten days into the cruise, on February 26, disaster struck. "I was ready to go to lunch, and I never made it. I collapsed," he shared with ABC News about his experience leading up to the event. Tomensky suffered four strokes in quick succession, hundreds of miles away from the nearest land.

Understanding the urgency of his condition, the medical staff aboard the cruise ship determined that he needed immediate evacuation. As Dr. Realeboga Sebitso, a senior doctor for Holland America Line, noted, "We knew definitely that what this man needed was to be in a stroke unit or a stroke center."

On February 27, U.S. Coast Guard personnel successfully airlifted Tomensky from the ship to a hospital in Honolulu, where he received critical care. He expressed his gratitude for the quick response and the lifesaving measures that followed his rescue.

Fast forward a month, Tomensky had the chance for an emotional reunion with the Coast Guard pilots who came to his aid—Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Brown and Lt. Tom Jordan. In a heartfelt exchange, Tomensky thanked them, saying, "I owe you for my recovery and future recovery from these strokes."

For both the rescuers and Tomensky, the connection created through this incident highlighted a rare opportunity to meet again and celebrate the life-saving actions that had made all the difference.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.