WILLEMSTAD – The Caribbean Coast Guard successfully carried out a medical evacuation on Wednesday afternoon after receiving an emergency call from a cruise ship sailing far east of Bonaire. The request concerned an 86-year-old British tourist who was experiencing severe heart problems. 

Given the cruise ship’s position at the time of the distress call, the Venezuelan Rescue Coordination Center in La Guaira, Venezuela, was first contacted to assess the situation. In close collaboration, the rescue operation was transferred to the Caribbean Coast Guard, which quickly took charge of the medical evacuation. 

The Maritime Operations Center consulted with a CITRO medical specialist, who determined that the patient required urgent medical attention. In response, the Coast Guard helicopter was deployed to airlift the man to Hato International Airport in Curaçao. Upon arrival, he was immediately met by ambulance personnel, who transported him to Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) for further treatment. 

This coordinated international effort underscores the rapid response capabilities of the Caribbean Coast Guard and its ability to provide lifesaving assistance in emergency situations at sea.