Passenger airlifted from Celebrity Solstice after medical emergency

A passenger was medically evacuated from Celebrity Solstice after experiencing an emergency that required additional care, according to a news release from Esquimalt Public Affairs.

The Royal Canadian Air Force deployed a helicopter and rescue team to the cruise ship. Search-and-rescue technicians were lowered onto the vessel to assist with the operation before the passenger was airlifted from the ship and transported ashore for hospital care, the release said.

A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said the company helped arrange the guest’s medical disembarkation because further care was needed.

Separately, Lynn Elmhirst advised cruise travelers to confirm that they have adequate medical travel insurance, noting that ordinary health coverage may not apply during travel. She also recommended carrying a passport because an unexpected medical evacuation could require a passenger to take an international flight home rather than rejoin the ship as originally planned.