On August 24th, 2025, the cruise ship Ruby Princess, navigating approximately 145 nautical miles west of Cape Flattery, Washington, initiated two simultaneous medical evacuations. One passenger, a 52-year-old woman on life support after sudden cardiac arrest, and a 99-year-old man suffering from complete esophageal obstruction, were reported in urgent need of transfer.
Watchstanders at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Northwest District coordinated a joint response with Canadian authorities. A U.S. MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Port Angeles was tasked to retrieve the 99-year-old. The crew hoisted him aboard and transferred him wing-to-wing to a Life Flight Network aircraft at Neah Bay, Washington.
Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Air Force dispatched a CH-149 Cormorant from 19 Wing Comox, supported by a CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft providing aerial coordination. The Cormorant successfully retrieved the 52-year-old and conveyed her to Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia.
In the aftermath, Cmdr. Kelly Higgins of USCG Air Station Port Angeles emphasized that rapid response to critical medical situations at sea relies upon specialized training and coordinated effort. The successful operation was credited to seamless teamwork among the U.S. Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Canadian Coast Guard, and Life Flight Network.
For more Ruby Princess incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.