Coast Guard Conducts Medical Evacuations from Cruise Ships

The US Coast Guard was busy over the weekend of December 14, 2025, responding to medical emergencies aboard two Royal Caribbean cruise ships in South Florida. These incidents highlight the critical role the Coast Guard plays in ensuring passenger safety at sea. With swift action and expert coordination, the Coast Guard successfully evacuated passengers in need of urgent medical care.

Medical Emergency on Grandeur of the Seas

The first incident occurred aboard the Grandeur of the Seas, a 73,817-gross-ton cruise ship that had set sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. The ship was on its way to Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti, Labadee, when a 56-year-old male passenger began experiencing severe abdominal pain just hours into the voyage. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the crew contacted the US Coast Guard Southeast, District 7.

The Coast Guard Air Station Miami quickly dispatched a rescue team. The aircrew arrived on the scene, approximately 40 miles southeast of Miami, and successfully airlifted the passenger. He was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where he was reported to be in stable condition. Following this medical evacuation, the Grandeur of the Seas continued its journey, carrying approximately 2,446 passengers. The ship arrived on schedule at Labadee on December 15, 2024, and is set to visit Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao before returning to Fort Lauderdale on December 22.

The swift response by the Coast Guard not only ensured the safety of the passenger but also allowed the cruise to proceed without significant delays. This incident underscores the importance of having emergency protocols in place on cruise ships, as well as the readiness of the Coast Guard to respond to maritime emergencies.

Young Girl Evacuated from Radiance of the Seas

Meanwhile, on the opposite coast of Florida, another medical emergency unfolded aboard the Radiance of the Seas. This 90,090-gross-ton vessel had just departed from Tampa for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise. While sailing just 13 miles west of Anna Maria Island, a young girl aboard the ship required immediate medical attention for an undiagnosed health issue.

MPA continues to extend its support to the US Coast Guard and local authorities

The US Coast Guard Cortez base, which covers the Tampa Bay and Sarasota area, was alerted to the situation. A rescue crew was dispatched to the scene, where they successfully medevaced the girl, who was accompanied by her parents. The Coast Guard reported that the girl needed a higher level of care and was transferred to awaiting emergency medical services at Station Cortez. Unfortunately, no further details about her condition have been released.

After this brief delay, the Radiance of the Seas resumed its course toward Cozumel, where it is scheduled to arrive on December 16. The cruise will continue to Belize, Honduras, and Mexico before returning to Port Tampa Bay on December 21, 2024. This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of health emergencies at sea and the importance of having a capable response team ready to assist.

The Coast Guard’s Ongoing Commitment to Safety

These recent medical evacuations are not isolated incidents. The US Coast Guard has a long history of responding to emergencies on cruise ships. Just earlier in December, the Coast Guard had to assist other vessels, including a Carnival Cruise Line ship that turned back to Galveston for a medical airlift. Such incidents demonstrate the Coast Guard’s commitment to passenger safety and their ability to operate under challenging conditions.

Cruise ships are equipped with medical facilities that can handle a variety of health issues. However, when a situation escalates beyond their capabilities, the Coast Guard steps in. Their teams are trained to navigate difficult weather and hazardous conditions to ensure that passengers receive the necessary care.

As the holiday season approaches, families aboard these cruise ships can feel reassured knowing that the Coast Guard is always ready to respond to emergencies. The recent evacuations serve as a testament to their dedication and expertise in maritime safety.