Three passengers were transferred ashore for medical reasons from the cruise ship Mein Schiff 3 during the late hours of January 1st while the vessel was navigating approximately 38 nautical miles south of the Port of Funchal, Madeira.
Maritime authorities reported that the Search and Rescue Coordination Center received a request from the vessel for the evacuation of three passengers requiring medical attention. In response, search and rescue units were deployed without delay.
A rescue craft assigned to the Funchal Lifesaving Station, supported by a vessel operated by SANAS Madeira, proceeded to the ship. The passengers were transferred safely from the vessel and were accompanied throughout the operation by the ship’s medical officer.
Once ashore, the individuals were met by a Rapid Intervention Medical Team and transported to a local hospital using two ambulances. Responsibility for coordination and follow-up was assumed by the local Maritime Police Command.
No information was released regarding the nature of the medical conditions or the circumstances that prompted the evacuation. At the time, Mein Schiff 3 was operating a 24-day round-trip voyage from Bremerhaven to the Canary Islands, scheduled as a New Year period cruise.
For more Mein Schiff 3 incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page.