A medical evacuation was carried out from the cruise ship Spirit of Adventure while the vessel was sailing in waters off the northern coast of Spain, after a crew member fell ill during the voyage. The ship, operated by Saga Cruises, was positioned roughly 63 miles from the headland of Estaca de Bares when the situation developed.
According to reports from maritime rescue authorities, the ship’s onboard medical officer determined that the crew member required immediate treatment ashore. Following this assessment, Spanish Maritime Rescue coordinated a response and directed the vessel to alter course toward the port city of A Coruña while a rescue helicopter was dispatched to intercept the ship at sea.
The evacuation took place shortly before midnight. A Helimer 402 helicopter approached the vessel and carried out the airlift operation, transferring the affected crew member from the ship to the aircraft. The helicopter then transported the individual to Alvedro Airport near A Coruña.
Upon arrival, emergency medical personnel received the patient and arranged onward transport by ambulance to the University Hospital Complex of A Coruña, where further medical evaluation and treatment were to be carried out.
Details concerning the nationality of the crew member and the precise nature of the medical emergency have not been released.
For more Spirit of Adventure incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page.