A high-risk medical evacuation unfolded on Monday, requiring the Air and Space Force to fly to the operational limit of its range to save a cruise passenger suffering a serious medical emergency.
A rescue at the edge of the helicopter’s capabilities
The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre of the Canary Islands (ARCC Canarias) coordinated the operation after receiving a request from Maritime Rescue (SASEMAR). The mission involved assisting a 60-year-old German woman on board the cruise ship MEIN SCHIFF 3, positioned about 500 kilometres south of Gran Canaria—a distance that placed the operation at the limit of the rescue helicopter’s endurance.
On 29 December, ARCC activated an HD-21 Super Puma helicopter from 802 Squadron of Wing 46, based at Gando Air Base. Due to the remote location and urgency caused by the woman’s peritonitis, the evacuation had to be executed with maximum speed and precision.
Support from the VIGMA aircraft and real-time coordination
To facilitate the helicopter’s approach and optimise fuel use, a D.4 VIGMA maritime surveillance aircraft was also deployed. This aircraft monitored high-altitude winds, relayed flight data, and maintained radio communication with both the helicopter and ARCC Canarias throughout the mission.
The VIGMA crew contacted the cruise ship in advance to prepare for the hoist operation. Thanks to good radio coverage, SAR units were able to guide the vessel in real time—indicating the exact course and speed required to stabilise the ship beneath the helicopter and ensure a safe lift.
A military nurse: the key element of the operation
One of the defining features of Air and Space Force SAR helicopters is the presence of a military nurse on every mission, a capability unique within the Canary Islands. Because of the woman’s critical condition, the nurse was lowered first onto the cruise ship to:
- assess the patient and coordinate with the ship’s doctor
- stabilise her for transfer
- accompany her during the entire flight to provide continuous medical care
Only after securing the patient did the crew carry out the hoist with the crane, completing one of the most technically demanding phases of the mission.
Final transfer to hospital care
Once the patient was safely on board, the helicopter returned directly to the landing pad of Hospital Doctor Negrín in Gran Canaria. Upon arrival, she was met by personnel from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC), transferred by ambulance, and admitted for treatment.
The ARCC Canarias maintained coordination with SASEMAR and CECOES 112 throughout the operation, ensuring that ground medical teams were ready upon the helicopter’s arrival.
