British Passenger Airlifted from Royal Caribbean’s Star OTS: A Medical Emergency at Sea

A medical evacuation was conducted from Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) cruise ship, Star of the Seas, following a critical health situation involving a 64-year-old British passenger during a Caribbean cruise.

The incident took place on March 9, 2026, while the ship was en route on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary that departed from Port Canaveral, Florida. At the time of the emergency, Star of the Seas was approximately 200 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

Upon notification, the United States Coast Guard dispatched an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen. Such offshore operations require extensive coordination and skilled navigation, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the transfer process.

The helicopter crew successfully performed a hoisting procedure to extract the passenger from the ship without complications. The individual was then transported to Centro Médico Hospital in Puerto Rico for additional medical attention. A Coast Guard officer commended the professionalism exhibited by all units involved, including the ship’s crew and medical personnel, which enabled the passenger to receive the necessary care.

Medical evacuations like this occur frequently during cruise operations, particularly on extended itineraries far from immediate port access. Helicopter extractions are often the preferred method for urgent cases requiring swift medical transfer, especially when diversion is not feasible.

Following this incident, Star of the Seas continued its scheduled itinerary and returned to Port Canaveral on March 15, 2026. For further details on incidents involving Star of the Seas, visit the ship’s CruiseMinus page.


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