Video Release

Editors note: Click the image above to view or download video from the airdrop.

HONOLULU — A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircrew flew more than 900 miles to conduct a precision airdrop of a package containing blood and medical supplies to a cruise ship traveling northeast of Hilo, Hawaii, Tuesday.

Medical personnel from the Carnival Spirit contacted Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center, here, at about 5:30 a.m., requesting medical assistance for a passenger. The ship's doctor treating a 67-year-old woman for medical complications determined that the woman’s condition would be stabilized with additional blood.

The cruise line and the Coast Guard coordinated with Tripler Army Medical Center blood bank to provide six units of blood for the patient. The blood was transported to Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point where it was packaged in a shatter-proof rescue container in preparation for the airdrop.

The aircrew rondezvoused  with the Carnival Spirit at about 8 a.m.  After assessing the ship's layout, the aircrew flew over the cruise ship, dropping a trail line directly on its bow.  The container was then dropped in the water near the ship and the ship's crew recovered the container by heaving on the trail line.  

"As the cruise ship comes closer to the Hawaiian Islands we will have additional Coast Guard assets available to medically evacuate the patient if needed," said Petty Officer 1st Class Stacie Hudson, a rescue coordinator with the Joint Rescue Coordination Center here.

"This case highlights the Coast Guard's role as America's maritime first responder," said Cmdr. Chris O'Neil, chief of media relations for the Coast Guard.  "Demonstrated in this case is our speed, adaptability, reliability and skill - the basic qualities the nation expects of a first responder - which are part of our organizational DNA and ingrained in our operations."

For more information contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.