During its Eastern Caribbean passage, the RCI-Royal Caribbean International vessel Icon of the Seas underwent a medical evacuation after two passengers developed serious pulmonary symptoms while the ship was navigating Dominican Republic territorial waters near Puerto Plata en route to St Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The request for assistance came from the ship’s medical team in the early hours of Monday morning, February 2nd, prompting authorities to activate established emergency protocols at sea.
An interceptor craft was deployed in coordination with the Dominican Republic Navy and national emergency services to effect the transfer. The two passengers, accompanied by a relative, were taken from Icon of the Seas to a nearby shore-based medical facility for further evaluation and treatment of their lung-related ailments. Subsequent reports indicated that both individuals responded positively to care and were discharged after their conditions improved.
Officials have not released additional specifics regarding the precise nature of the illness. The operation did not appear to interrupt the vessel’s scheduled itinerary, and Icon of the Seas continued on its course following completion of the evacuation.
For more Icon OTS incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page.