The Coast Guard medevaced a cruise passenger having a heart attack from a Carnival ship near Virginia Beach on Saturday, April 22.
Watchstanders in Portsmouth were notified by Carnival Pride at 8:42 p.m. that a 58-year-old man was having a heart attack onboard the vessel.
A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew arrived from Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina on scene east of Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
It hoisted the cruiser to the helicopter and took him to Norfolk International Airport, where the man was transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
"As a result of close teamwork and coordination among federal, state and local partners, we were able to safely deliver this gentleman to higher medical care by the fastest means possible in less than optimal weather conditions," said Capt. Richard Wester, commander, Sector Hampton Roads.
"We hope for his full medical recovery and quick return to family."