Eighth SAR Operation of 2025: Polish Naval Aviators Evacuate Passenger from Cruise Ship AIDAbella
On Wednesday, 18 June 2025, the duty crew of a W-3WARM helicopter from the 43rd Naval Aviation Base was scrambled in response to a medical emergency at sea.
In brief
The crew of a W-3WARM helicopter from the 43rd Naval Air Base evacuated a passenger of the cruise ship AIDAbella from the waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk. The casualty was taken aboard the helicopter and transported to the hospital in Gdańsk Zaspa, after which the aircraft returned to the airfield in Gdynia Babie Doły and restored its readiness. Lieutenant Commander Marcin Kołodziejski said it was the 8th search and rescue operation by naval aviators in 2025 and the 814th in the history of the Gdynia Naval Aviation Brigade, during which 436 people have received help.
- The duty crew of the W-3WARM helicopter from the 43rd Naval Aviation Base received a ‘Rescue Alarm – medical assistance’ call – reported Lt. Cmdr. Marcin Kołodziejski, spokesperson for the Naval Aviation Brigade.
The mission involved a medical evacuation from the German cruise liner AIDAbella, located in the Bay of Gdańsk. Upon reaching the vessel’s position, the helicopter crew successfully hoisted the patient aboard and conducted a medevac to the hospital in Gdańsk Zaspa.
- Upon reaching the area where the vessel was located, the crew hoisted the casualty aboard and transported him to the hospital in Gdańsk Zaspa – Lt. Cmdr. Kołodziejski added.
Following mission completion, the crew returned to Gdynia-Babie Doły airfield and resumed SAR readiness.
- The crew, after completing the task, returned to the airfield in Gdynia and restored operational readiness – he confirmed.
This marks the 8th search and rescue operation executed by the Polish Navy’s aircrews in 2025, and the 814th SAR mission in the operational history of the Gdynia-based Naval Aviation Brigade. Over the years, a total of 436 individuals have received assistance during such operations.
- This was the 814th search and rescue operation conducted by the Gdynia Naval Aviation Brigade, during which assistance has been provided to 436 people – summarized Lt. Cmdr. Kołodziejski.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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