Member of the United States Air Force 920th Rescue Wing performed a dramatic rescue of a cruise ship passenger who required urgent medical care.
The Carnival Venezia was about 400 miles away from the eastern coast of the United States when a passenger became critically ill on May 4. The 920th Rescue Wing was dispatched from Patrick Space Force Base in Florida to assist.
Two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, and two teams of combat rescue officers and pararescuemen flew the Venezia's location in the middle of the open ocean and prepared to airlift the passenger off the ship.
Because the trip was so long, the crews had to perform three helicopter air-to-air refuelings.
Once they arrived at the ship, the pararescuemen were hoisted down and began preparing the patient for transport. The patient and his mother were then airlifted up to the helicopter, where he received medical attention en route to a hospital in the United States.
No information was provided about why the passenger needed immediate medical help or their condition.
"Everyone in the wing mobilized with exceptional speed. By uniting our efforts, we saved crucial time, delivering life-saving assistance six hours ahead of other response teams. Our collective determination and efficiency ensured the successful rescue and transport of the individual in need," said Capt. Dylan Gann, 301st Rescue Squadron pilot.
One of the passengers on the Venezia shared a video on TikTok of the helicopter departing.