Holland America Passenger Medevaced From Cruise Ship in Alaska Waters

A news release from the U.S. Coast Guard stated a woman was medevaced from a Holland America cruise ship near Ketchikan, Alaska on Thursday (Sept. 13th).

According to the statement, A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Ketchikan medevaced the 71-year-old passenger displaying stroke symptoms and brought her to awaiting EMS in Bar Harbor, Ketchikan.

“Excellent communication among the captain and crew of Nieuw Amsterdam and ourselves allowed us to get this woman off the ship and to the medical care she needed as quickly as possible,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Mitchell, Coast Guard response boat coxswain for the case. “We wish her a swift recovery.”

Read the full statement here at or on Alaska Native News.

The husband and a medical attendant from the cruise ship – the Nieuw Amsterdam – were also transported to shore.

Stroke symptoms include loss of vision, headaches, weakness or numbness in your face or extremities, loss of balance or loss of consciousness – all due to your brain not getting the blood it needs to operate correctly. When stroke symptoms are present, a patient needs treatment as quickly as possible to lower their chances of brain damage, disability, or death. The first few minutes to an hour are critical, especially for those traveling aboard cruise ship where the level of medical care may not be sufficient to handle the medical emergency. It’s why the Coast Guard is called in quickly in situations like this.

Image credit: U.S. Coast Guard