GRAVELY ILL CRUISE SHIP PASSENGER AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL OFF RYDE

A cruise ship passenger taken seriously ill whilst passing the Isle of Wight had to be airlifted to hospital earlier this evening (Tuesday). It was at around 18:00 that HM Coastguard received a call for assistance from the Caribbean Princess as she sailed out of Southampton and down the Solent, just off Ryde. It was reported that a passenger – 1 of around 3,500 on board – had been taken gravely ill and required immediate assistance. The decision was taken to scramble Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent, which worked with the ship’s crew to manoeuvre the vessel into a position to enable a safe and prompt winch. The poorly patient was flown directly to Southampton General Hospital for further treatment. Caribbean Princess is en-route to Falmouth, where she is expected to arrive tomorrow morning.