A Royal Canadian Air Force Cormorant helicopter flies over the Ruby Princess cruise ship near Tofino, B.C. (Royal Canadian Air Force/U.S. Coast Guard)
Two passengers in critical condition were airlifted from a cruise ship off Vancouver Island on Sunday after marine rescuers from Canada and the United States carried out a rare joint operation.
The medical emergencies happened aboard the Ruby Princess, located about 85 kilometres south of Tofino, B.C. The ship was sailing from Sitka, Alaska, to San Francisco when the distress call went out around 9 a.m.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) said a 52-year-old woman went into cardiac arrest while a 99-year-old passenger suffered a separate serious medical issue. Both required urgent evacuations.
Coordinated Response
Rescuers from both countries scrambled to help. A Cormorant helicopter and Kingfisher rescue plane flew from 19 Wing Comox, while the U.S. Coast Guard sent a Dolphin helicopter from Port Angeles, Wash.
Capt. Dave Moore, commander of the Canadian Cormorant, said the joint effort ran smoothly.
“When we arrived at the vessel, everything was very smooth, very professional,” Moore said. His helicopter hoisted the woman suffering from cardiac arrest, while the American helicopter carried the 99-year-old passenger.
The Kingfisher aircraft remained on site to assist with communication and coordination.
Onboard Assistance
Search-and-rescue technicians lowered onto the deck worked closely with the ship’s medical crew.
Cpl. Felix Serre, one of the technicians, praised the cruise ship staff. “The medical staff in the cruise ship were incredible,” he said. Their help ensured the evacuations went as quickly and safely as possible.
Both patients were flown to hospital in critical condition.
Praise for International Teamwork
Officials highlighted how smoothly the joint mission unfolded. Lt. Keil Kodama of 19 Wing Comox called the rescue “an example of exceptional international co-operation and rapid emergency response.”
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a similar statement, stressing the importance of cross-border teamwork. They described the operation as proof of a lifesaving partnership between the two nations.
Cruise Ship Continues Journey
The Ruby Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, is scheduled to stop in Victoria on Aug. 30. Company representatives have not commented on the medical emergencies.
For now, the focus remains on the swift response that helped save two lives at sea.
