United States - October 20, 2024

In a high-stakes operation off the coast of Louisiana, the U.S. Coast Guard executed a daring medical evacuation from the Carnival Liberty cruise ship, airlifting a 30-year-old woman suspected of suffering from appendicitis. The rescue took place near Port Sulphur on October 20, 2024, highlighting the swift response capabilities of the Coast Guard's MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew stationed at New Orleans.

The woman, experiencing acute abdominal pain indicative of appendicitis, was in dire need of medical attention far beyond what could be provided aboard the ship. The strategic decision to perform a mid-sea medevac underscores the severity of her condition and the urgency of the situation.

Upon receiving the distress call, the Jayhawk crew launched into action. The operation involved lowering a rescue swimmer onto the ship's deck amidst the rolling seas, a testament to the skill and bravery of the Coast Guard personnel involved.

The patient was swiftly hoisted into the helicopter and airlifted to a medical facility where she could receive the necessary surgical intervention. Such operations are a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies at sea and the critical role played by the Coast Guard in safeguarding life on the water.