A cruise ship crew member taken unwell off the Isle of Wight just 2 hours into a 19-day trip to the Mediterranean has been evacuated by Bembridge RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat tonight (Easter Sunday).
Solent Coastguard requested the launch of Bembridge Lifeboat at just before 19:30 in response to reports of an emergency situation onboard the P&O Cruises ship ‘Aurora’, located to the east of Ventnor. It was suspected that a crew member had suffered a stroke.
It didn’t take long for the volunteer crew members to muster and launch the Tamar-class lifeboat into foggy conditions. In the meantime, the cruise ship made an about turn and started heading north.
With fairly calm conditions, and travelling at full speed, the lifeboat was soon alongside the cruise ship off Sandown Bay. However, there was then a bit of a delay while the Aurora rigged her side pontoon to assist in the transfer.
Having walked the casualty on board the lifeboat by 20:18, the decision was taken to make best speed to The Camber in Portsmouth to transfer the individual to an awaiting ambulance for onward conveyance to hospital.
The lifeboat reached Pompey at 20:45 and returned to Bembridge by 21:30.
The Aurora left Southampton earlier today on the 1st leg of a 19-night Mediterranean cruise, with the first stop planned for. Cartagena in Spain.
I wish the patient a full and speedy recovery
Our boys on the ball once again.
the decision was taken to make best speed…well thats good then.