Algerian naval forces executed a medical evacuation of a British passenger from the cruise ship Sky Princess while the vessel was navigating international waters off Algeria’s northeastern coast. The operation took place on the morning of October 8th, as the ship sailed between Italy and Spain.
At 10:40 a.m. local time, the National Maritime Surveillance and Rescue Operations Center—operating under the National Coast Guard Service—received a distress call reporting a medical emergency onboard. The case involved a 77-year-old British national who had suffered a serious health condition requiring immediate hospital treatment. At the time of the alert, the Sky Princess was positioned approximately 35 nautical miles north of Cap de Fer, within the maritime area of Skikda Province.
In response, the Algerian Naval Forces deployed an AS-14 search and rescue helicopter from the 560th Search and Rescue Helicopter Squadron, coordinating efforts with the regional surveillance and rescue center in Jijel. Upon reaching the vessel’s position, the patient was airlifted safely from the ship and transported to El Hadjar Hospital in Annaba for specialized medical care. Reports confirmed that the evacuation and transfer proceeded without complications.
Following the successful medical operation, Sky Princess resumed her scheduled course toward Spain, with cruise operations continuing as planned.
For more Sky Princess incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.