Passenger evacuated from cruise ship off Port Elizabeth following medical emergency

A 56-year-old British cruise passenger was evacuated from a cruise ship off Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) on Monday following a medical emergency, according to a report by South Africa’s National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

The unnamed cruise ship declared an emergency at 20h55 and NSRI Gqeberha duty crew were mobilised. NSRI rescue craft Recue 6 was launched, accompanied by an Eastern Cape Government Health EMS rescue paramedic and an NSRI MEX (Maritime Extrication) crew.

The vessel rendezvoused with the cruise ship at the Fairway channel marker bouy, outside the entrance of the Port of Port Elizabeth in 20 to 25 knot Easterly winds and 2 to 3 meter sea swells.

“Two NSRI MEX crewmen and the EMS rescue paramedic were transferred onto the cruise liner where the casualty, in a stable condition, in the care of the ships medical staff, was taken into the care of the EMS rescue paramedic,” said Mike Whittal, NSRI Gqeberha duty coxswain.

“Walking wounded, the patient, secured into a safety harness and a life-jacket, and assisted by the rescuers, he was transferred onto our NSRI rescue vessel,” he added.

The patient was then transported to the NSRI Gqeberha station 6 rescue base and transported to hospital by EMS ambulance for further medical treatment, where he is recovering. 

The logistics and coordination of the medical evacuation operation involved a range of local authorities, including the NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre); Transnet National Ports Authority; Port Elizabeth Port Control; Port Health Authorities; a Western Cape Government Health EMS duty doctor; Telkom Maritime Radio Services; Eastern Cape Government Health EMS Metro Control; and Police Sea Borderline Control.

Although medical evacuations are rare in South African waters, there is always the risk of injury due to the moderate to rough seas around the South African coast. The NSRI has had to respond to a growing number of incidents in recent years as cruise lines increasingly reposition between Asia and Europe via Cape Town.

Ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea and the risk of disruptions in the Suez Canal have driven the rerouting of ships around the Cape of Good Hope, recreating the key maritime role Cape Town played in the 18th century. 

Escalating geopolitical tensions and attacks on commercial vessels have made the traditional Europe-to-Asia route less viable for many cruise operators, leading to an increase in repositioning voyages around South Africa. This shift has brought more cruise traffic to Cape Town and other South African ports, reinforcing the region’s role as a key transit point for global cruise itineraries.