Coast Guard Rescues Rescues Stricken Cruise Ship Crew Member

CAPE MAY, NJ — A Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued a cruise ship crew member who had symptoms 0f a heart attack from the Celebrity Summit about 230 miles east of Cape May recently.

The cruise ship notified watchstanders at the 5th District command center on Monday morning that a 61-year-old male crew member was suffering from symptoms of a heart attack and needed medical assistance, according to a post on the district's website.

The watchstanders told the ship to change course and head towards shore so they could conduct a helicopter rescue.

Air Station Atlantic City launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to rescue the man. Air Station Elizabeth City also launched an HC-130 Hercules crew to provide support to the helicopter, due to distance offshore.

The helicopter landed on the cruise ship helicopter pad and rescued both the crew member and a nurse.

They were transported to the Atlanticare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, for additional care, according to the release.

Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard