The crew of a Royal Canadian Air Force CH-149 Cormorant helicopter conducted a medical evacuation of an ill cruise ship passenger late evening, on Sunday, July 6.
- On July 6, 2014 Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria received a call from the cruise ship Carnival Miracle, indicating they had a passenger in need of evacuation due to a potential medical condition.
- A 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron crew left their base at 19 Wing Comox at approximately 10:30 p.m. and flew to the ship, approximately 95 kilometres north west of Port Hardy, B.C.
- Upon arrival shortly after 11 p.m., the crew hoisted three Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) aboard who then prepared the patient for evacuation with the assistance of the ship’s crew.
- The helicopter crew fought low clouds and gusty winds during the operation.
- The patient, a woman in her late 40’s, was flown back to Comox where she was transferred to a BC Ambulance for transport to hospital. Her present medical condition is not known.
-Contributed by 19 Wing Comox
