UPDATE: Coast Guards Evacuates Two From Star Princess

HONOLULU – The Coast Guard successfully conducted a medical evacuation of two elderly cruise ship passengers from American Samoa to Honolulu, Tuesday.

The Coast Guard was notified that two passengers aboard the cruise ship Star Princess had suffered two unrelated injuries, Monday. The Coast Guard flight surgeon determined that medical evacuation would be the best option due to the medical needs of the patients. One passenger was a 91-year-old man; the second was an 82-year-old woman.

An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Barbers Point was launched at approximately 2 p.m., Monday. Medical staff from Kalawao Rescue flew aboard and provided care during the approximately 10-hour return flight.

The 14th Coast Guard District encompasses an area of 12.2 million square miles of the Central and South Pacific. Coast Guard aircraft based in Hawaii frequently travel thousands of miles in response to search and rescue and other calls for assistance. The HC-130 Hercules is scheduled to be replaced by the HC-130J, which will bring increased capabilities to Coast Guard response across the Pacific.

Coast Guards Evacuates Two From Star Princess

  photo by Yankeesman312

Coast Guard aircraft deploys for medical evacuation from American Samoa

HONOLULU – A Coast Guard air crew has deployed to assist with the medical evacuation of two inured and ill cruise ship passengers from American Samoa Monday.

A Coast Guard C-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Barbers Point will meet the two patients in American Samoa and transport them to Honolulu. Medical staff from Kalawao Rescue will provide care during the approximately 10 hour return flight.

The C-130 crew and passengers are scheduled to return to Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point at approximately 9 a.m.

The two passengers suffered injury and illness during unrelated incidents while underway aboard the cruise ship Star Princess. One passenger is a 91-year-old male and the other is an 82-year-old female.

The Coast Guard received notification Monday and the C-130 crew was deployed at 2 p.m. after a Coast Guard flight surgeon determined that it was the aircrew could conduct transport 48 hours faster and deliver passengers to facilities more capable of meeting their medical needs.