The Canary Islands witnessed another urgent maritime medical evacuation within 24 hours, highlighting the critical role of rescue operations in the region’s waters.
AIDAblu Emergency Evacuation Near Tenerife
On Monday, 13 January, Salvamento Marítimo conducted a medical evacuation from the cruise ship AIDAblu, located 79 nautical miles north of Tenerife. A passenger in need of urgent medical care, along with the ship’s doctor, was airlifted by a Helimer 202 rescue helicopter to Negrín Hospital in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The AIDAblu, part of the Sphinx class operated by German cruise company AIDA Cruises, has been a symbol of luxury since its delivery by the Meyer Werft shipyard in February 2010. With a capacity of 2,050 passengers, it is one of the flagship vessels of AIDA Cruises, alongside ships like the AIDAbella, AIDAluna, and AIDAmar.
A Second Evacuation in Canary Islands Waters

This operation follows another emergency on Sunday, 12 January, involving the cruise ship AIDAmar, also owned by AIDA Cruises. The ship was over 200 nautical miles from El Hierro when the Spanish Air Force was called to assist.
The Air Force deployed an HD.21 Super Puma helicopter and a D.4 Vigma aircraft from the 802 Squadron of the 46th Wing, stationed in Gando, Gran Canaria.
The patient, a 61-year-old German passenger, was in a critical condition due to complications from a severe lung infection. The complexity of the operation was heightened by the distance and the severity of the passenger’s health. A military nurse aboard the helicopter used specialized equipment, including perfusion and oxygen pumps, to stabilize the woman before transferring her to the Quirón Hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Importance of Maritime Rescue Operations

These consecutive rescue missions underscore the essential coordination between Salvamento Marítimo, the Air Force, and medical teams in ensuring the safety of cruise ship passengers in distress. The challenging conditions and remote locations in the Canary Islands’ waters further highlight the critical need for prompt and effective responses to medical emergencies at sea.
The swift actions in both cases saved lives, showcasing the expertise and dedication of the Canary Islands’ rescue teams.