US Coast Guard Rescues Passengers from Two Carnival-Owned Cruise Ships in 24 Hours

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Two medical emergencies on Carnival Corporation ships led to back-to-back airlifts by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) within 24 hours.

The rescues took place aboard Holland America Line’s Koningsdam and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Panorama, both operating Mexican itineraries on the West Coast.

Rescue aboard Koningsdam

The first emergency occurred aboard Koningsdam early Friday morning, November 29, 2024.

The ship was approximately 280 miles south of the US-Mexico border on the final sea day of its 7-night Baja Peninsula cruise.

A 66-year-old female passenger displayed stroke symptoms, prompting onboard medical staff to recommend urgent evacuation for advanced care.

The USCG dispatched a helicopter from Air Station San Diego, accompanied by a C-27 from Air Station Sacramento to assist with communication.

The passenger was safely hoisted aboard and transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where her condition is reported as stable.

“Rescues like this are exactly what our crews train for,”


“Through coordination from the command center and outstanding support from our C-27 cover aircraft crew, we were able to get the patient to higher-level care.”

Lieutenant Brady Stepan, pilot, Air Station San Diego

Koningsdam experienced no delays and returned to San Diego on schedule. The ship’s next itinerary, a 10-night Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez cruise, is proceeding as planned.

Medical airlift from Carnival Panorama

Simultaneously, the USCG responded to a second emergency aboard Carnival Panorama, which was concluding its 7-night Mexican Riviera sailing.

While details are scarce, passengers noted that a late-night call for blood donors preceded the evacuation. The nature of the medical emergency and the passenger’s condition remain undisclosed.

The USCG performed another helicopter airlift to ensure the passenger could receive specialised care.

Like Koningsdam, Carnival Panorama returned to port in Long Beach, California, on time and began its next cruise, a 6-night itinerary, without delay.

Both rescues highlight the critical role of coast guard crews in ensuring the safety and well-being of cruise passengers. Operating under challenging conditions, these teams provide emergency care and transportation when needed.

There have been many airlift rescues for passengers within 2024, including other back-to-back incidents for Carnival.

Two passengers on Carnival Liberty were evacuated on consecutive days in October, while two passengers on Crown Princess were airlifted for separate medical emergencies on the same day earlier in October.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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