In the late hours of Friday, August 4th, 2024, the volunteer crew of the Donaghadee RNLI lifeboat station in Northern Ireland received a call from HM Coastguard.
The Coastguard reported an emergency medical issue involving a female passenger on a visiting cruise ship. The Donaghadee All Weather Lifeboat Macquarie was immediately launched to address the situation.
The lifeboat crew, consisting of seven members, including a seagoing lifeboat medical advisor, Dr Courtney Roberts, worked with HM Coastguard and the cruise ship to determine the best course of action for the distressed passenger. In reasonable sea conditions, the lifeboat approached the cruise ship's port side pilot door, where the casualty was transferred by stretcher to the lifeboat along with the cruise ship's paramedics.
Once onboard the lifeboat, the casualty was assessed by Dr Roberts, who administered oxygen to make her more comfortable. The ship's paramedics simultaneously gave the casualty intravenous fluids and adrenaline. Upon return to Bangor Harbour, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Coastguard Rescue Team took custody of the casualty.
Dr Roberts stated, "The casualty was certainly very ill and did require immediate emergency medical attention. We were able to administer high-flow oxygen and monitor her vital signs while she was been transferred from the ship to the shore and into the care of the ambulance service. Of course, we all wish her a speedy recovery." Thanks to the quick and efficient response of the Donaghadee RNLI lifeboat crew, the situation was resolved without further incident.