The U.S. Coast Guard performed a medical evacuation of an 81-year-old passenger from the Windstar Cruises ship Star Pride on October 26, 2026. The emergency was first reported around 5:00 p.m. on Saturday while the vessel was 900 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico, during its eight-night voyage from Boston to San Juan.
Coast Guard Response and Rescue Operation
After monitoring the passenger’s condition for two days, the Coast Guard dispatched an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter at 3:00 p.m. on Monday. The rescue operation took place approximately 150 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico and involved a precision hoist to lift both the passenger and a ship
nurse from Star Pride.
Patient Transport and Official Statement
The patient was transported to Centro Médico hospital in San Juan for advanced care. Cmdr. Scott Verhage of the Coast Guard’s Air Station Borinquen and Sector San Juan said, “Air Station Borinquen and Sector San Juan train relentlessly to mitigate the risks associated with demanding Coast Guard missions like long-range medical evacuations. Our ultimate goal is to execute safe, highly efficient operations within a dynamic and unforgiving maritime environment.”
Context on Cruise Medical Evacuations
This medical evacuation highlights the limitations of onboard medical facilities on cruise ships when passengers face emergencies far from land-based hospitals. It demonstrates the protocols and availability
of emergency evacuation services provided by the Coast Guard in remote maritime environments.
