USCG file photo
The boy is a U.S. citizen, who was suffering from internal bleeding and required immediate medical attention ashore.
“The success of this delicate and time-sensitive case is a tribute to the excellent working relationship we have with our maritime and local medical partners,” said Lt. Cmdr. Peter Jones, Sector San Juan Command Center chief. “Medical evacuations are always dangerous, and even more so at night. This young man was safely evacuated and delivered to “Centro Medico” only due to the diligence and professionalism of all parties involved.”
Coast Guard Sector San Juan Watchstanders received a telephone call at approximately 11:30 p.m. Monday from the Captain of the Carnival Dream, who reported the incident. Coast Guard Watchstanders coordinated Carnival Dream’s approach to San Juan while dispatching a Coast Guard rescue helicopter from Air Station Borinquen in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico to conduct the medical evacuation. Once on scene with the Carnival Dream, the helicopter crew hoisted the patient, his mother and a cruise ship nurse onto the aircraft.
The MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew transported the patient to The Medical Center Hospital in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, where he was transferred to awaiting Emergency Medical Services personnel at approximately 4:50a.m. Tuesday.
