Long-Range Rescue Mission for Cruise Ship Passenger
The Canary Islands Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC Canarias) directed and coordinated a complex rescue mission in late December, approximately 500 kilometres south of Gran Canaria. The operation was carried out at the request of Spain’s Maritime Rescue service (SASEMAR) and involved assets from the Spanish Air and Space Force.
Military Assets Deployed to the Limit of Their Range
According to military reports, an HD.21 Super Puma helicopter from the 802 Squadron, based at Gando Air Base’s 46th Wing, was activated. Using its winch, crews successfully evacuated a 60-year-old German passenger who was suffering from peritonitis aboard the cruise liner Mein Schiff 3. The ship was at an extreme distance south of Gran Canaria, at the very limit of the helicopter’s operational range.
Coordinated Effort for Optimal Flight Conditions
To support this challenging mission, a D.4 VIGMA aircraft from the same squadron was also deployed. Its role was to provide the helicopter with real-time wind data at altitude, optimising the flight path to minimise fuel consumption—a critical factor given the distance involved. The aircraft also made initial contact with the cruise ship to facilitate the helicopter’s approach and manoeuvres upon arrival.
Real-Time Coordination and a Unique Military Capability
Good radio coverage allowed the involved Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft to maintain constant contact with the ARCC Canarias, enabling real-time coordination. The VIGMA aircraft relayed precise instructions to the cruise ship regarding the course and speed it needed to maintain to ensure a swift and safe winching operation.
A key factor in the mission’s success was a unique capability of the Air Force’s SAR helicopter crews: they are the only rescue helicopters in the Canary Islands to carry a military nurse. Given the seriousness of the passenger’s condition, the winching procedure began by lowering the military nurse onto the cruise ship’s deck. This allowed for a safer transfer of the patient and enabled the nurse to receive first-hand medical data from the ship’s doctor, while also providing continuous care to the evacuee throughout the entire flight.
Patient Successfully Flown to Gran Canaria Hospital
Throughout the operation, the ARCC Canarias coordinated in real time with SASEMAR to update the cruise ship’s data and also contacted the Canary Islands Government’s 1-1-2 Emergency Coordination Centre (CECOES) to mobilise regional resources. With the patient safely on board, the helicopter set course for the helipad at Hospital Doctor Negrín in Gran Canaria. Upon landing, the patient was met by an ambulance from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) and transferred to the hospital, where she was admitted for treatment.
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