A passenger aboard the Carnival Legend was airlifted off by the HM Coastguard Saturday morning, August 29, after a medical emergency. The passenger was flown to Newquay Airport in Cornwall, England and transferred to an ambulance after being evacuated from the ship.

The HM Coastguard received the request for assistance at approximately 9:40 a.m. local time when the Carnival Legend was off the southwest coast of England. The ship made a small course adjustment while the evacuation was carried out before resuming its voyage toward Dover.

The Carnival Legend started its 10-night British Isles voyage on August 20 departing from Dover with calls in Ireland, Wales, England, Scotland and the Isle of Man. The medical emergency occurred during the final sea day as the ship traveled from Douglas toward Dover.

Authorities have not released any information about the passenger’s identity, age, or details about the medical condition that prompted the medical evacuation.

Medical evacuations from cruise ships are relatively common occurrences. Cruise ships lack the medical staff and equipment to handle serious medical emergencies such as a heart attack or stroke. When a medical emergency occurs at sea, the fastest and best way to treat a passenger or crew member is often to medically evacuate them to the nearest healthcare facility. Medical evacuations also occur when ships are in port in foreign countries.

In July, a woman was injured in a freak accident jumping from a rope swing in Roatán, Honduras during a cruise excursion. The woman’s condition worsened in the ship’s infirmary and she chose to be medically evacuated to South Florida instead of continuing treatment on the cruise ship or at a local hospital in Mexico.