Critically Ill Passenger Airlifted from Cruise Ship in Atlantic 350 Nautical Miles Off U.S. Coast

The U.S. Air Force sent two teams of combat rescue officers and pararescuemen to the scene

A U.S. Air Force rescue crew helped save a cruise passenger’s life.

The 920th Rescue Wing — which is the Air Force Reserve Command’s only combat search and rescue wing — said in a press release that its crew helped transport a “critical patient” who was onboard a cruise ship to a medical facility for treatment on Saturday, May 4.

They said that the ship had been located more than “350-nautical-miles” — or 402 miles — off the eastern coast of the U.S., and “within hours” of receiving the report of the ill passenger, two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and two teams of combat rescue officers and pararescuemen were dispatched to fly to the ship’s location to help the individual.

“Everyone in the wing mobilized with exceptional speed,” said Capt. Dylan Gann, 301st Rescue Squadron pilot, in the release. “By uniting our efforts, we saved crucial time, delivering life-saving assistance six hours ahead of other response teams.”

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“Our collective determination and efficiency ensured the successful rescue and transport of the individual in need,” Gann added.

The 920th Rescue Wing said that it was a collaborative effort as staff sent “weather directed information” to the flight teams so that they knew how to reach the location safely, while flight doctors also worked to “find the right treatment facility” for the patient during the mission.

The helicopters eventually reached the location and pararescuemen retrieved the ill passenger and his mother, who were then “hoisted up into the helicopter.” The passenger received “medical attention” as he was being transported to the hospital, according to the 920th Rescue Wing.

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Despite the mission’s success, the U.S. Air Force division noted that it wasn’t an easy one, as due to the cruise ship’s “remote location,” the helicopters required three “air-to-air refuelings” from a probe that transferred fuel mid-flight.

However, the 920th Rescue Wing said they were prepared for anything.

“This is what ready now looks like,” said Lt. Col. John Lowe, 920th Operations Group commander, in the release. “These real-world missions are what our countless hours of training have prepared us for.”

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“Rescue was able to plan and execute this mission without hesitation,” he continued. “This combined arms team is highly trained in their field while understanding what role they play in the bigger picture and led to the successful completion of the mission.”

The 920th Rescue Wing said that over 1,000 miles were flown during the mission and it took eight hours to complete from when all the aircraft left Patrick Space Force Base, Florida.

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