Medical Emergency/Helicopter Rescue on Saturday-Brilliance Of The Seas

[Fuzzywuzzy]

On the last day of our Alaska cruise on Saturday morning (August 5) the Captain announced that there was a serious medical emergency onboard which required the passenger to be removed by helicopter. We were in Canadian waters and in some of the worst fog I have ever seen on a cruise. After a while past the announced pick up time he reported it would be delayed for 20 minutes or more because of the fog. Eventually a huge yellow helicopter appeared, it was way too big to land on the helipad, so they lowered apparatus on a cable to complete the task. While you could watch this on your cabin TV a bunch of the people were crowded around the large screens in the Schooner and Colony Club, etc. No word was ever reported (to my knowledge) of the final patient outcome.

[WAAAYTOOO]

While I hate medical emergencies for those involved - and I wish a speedy and thorough recovery for anyone who was injured or ill - I do LOVE a helo-vac off a ship.  So exciting and fun to watch.  I know they are dangerous and never under pleasant circumstances (except when Santa comes - and he arrives mostly by tenders these days).  I have so much respect and admiration for those who are in the medical evac field.  God bless 'em.

[Linda R]

We have seen several helicopter evacs on cruises.  And on 1 cruise they actually fueled the helicopter with a plane in mid-air right off our cabin.  They were not close enough to land for the helicopter to carry enough fuel. I always hope that everyone involved are safe and recover. 

[MamaShark]

On 8/8/2023 at 12:04 PM, WAAAYTOOO said:

while I hate medical emergencies for those involved - and I wish a speedy and thorough recovery for anyone who was injured or ill - I do LOVE a helo-vac off a ship.  So exciting and fun to watch.  I know they are dangerous and never under pleasant circumstances (except when Santa comes - and he arrives mostly by tenders these days).  I have so much respect and admiration for those who are in the medical evac field.  God bless 'em.

@WAAAYTOOO I’ve never admitted it.  I’ve witnessed 3 with a flood of emotions. I pray for the all involved but still feel guilty about the exhilaration and adrenalin I feel watching the finely tuned execution of heroic (often life saving acts)….  

[Stato]

We experienced something similar on our recent AOS cruise, always a shame to see, as you hope it goes well for those airlifted.