Long-Range Helicopter Rescue for Critically Ill Cruise Passenger
The Canary Islands Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC Canarias) has directed and coordinated a complex air-sea rescue mission at the request of Spain’s Maritime Rescue service (SASEMAR). The operation took place on Monday, 29 December, to assist a 60-year-old German passenger aboard the cruise liner ‘Mein Schiff 3’ who was suffering from peritonitis.
Mission at the Operational Limit
For the rescue, an HD.21 Super Puma helicopter from the 802 Squadron, based at Gando Air Base’s 46th Wing, was scrambled. The vessel was located approximately 500 kilometres south of Gran Canaria, at the very limit of the helicopter’s operational range. To optimise the flight and minimise fuel consumption, a D.4 ‘Vigma’ aircraft from the same squadron was also activated to provide the helicopter with crucial high-altitude wind data.
Precision Coordination from the Air
The fixed-wing aircraft made initial contact with the cruise ship to facilitate the helicopter’s subsequent manoeuvre. Good radio coverage allowed the involved SAR (Search and Rescue) assets to maintain real-time contact with the ARCC Canarias coordination centre. The aircraft relayed precise instructions to the cruise ship regarding the course and speed it needed to maintain to enable a swift and safe crane hoist operation by the helicopter.
The Unique Role of the Military Nurse
A key factor in this mission was the presence of a military nurse as part of the Air and Space Force helicopter crew—a unique capability among Canary Islands rescue helicopters. Given the patient’s critical condition, the hoist operation began by lowering the military nurse onto the cruise ship. This allowed for a safer transfer, enabled the nurse to receive first-hand medical data from the ship’s doctor, and ensured the patient received continuous care throughout the evacuation flight.
Successful Evacuation to Hospital
The ARCC Canarias coordinated in real time with SASEMAR to update the ship’s data and contacted the Canary Islands Emergency Services Coordination Centre (CECOES 112) to mobilise ground resources. With the patient safely on board, the helicopter set course for the helipad at Doctor Negrín Hospital in Gran Canaria. There, she was met by an ambulance from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) and transferred to the hospital for admission.
No post found!