Medical evacuation from Stena Ebba successfully conducted despite adverse weather conditions
Poland’s Maritime Search and Rescue Service (MSPiR SAR) has once again demonstrated high operational readiness and professionalism during a medical evacuation carried out under challenging weather conditions in the Baltic Sea.
In brief
The Maritime Search and Rescue Service evacuated a 48-year-old passenger of the ferry Stena Ebba with a suspected heart attack. The captain of the ferry owned by Stena Line Polska notified the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre on Sunday at 11:21, and strong wind and limited visibility ruled out the use of a helicopter. The rescue vessel m/s Bryza from Władysławowo was dispatched, and at 12:23 the conscious patient was handed over to an Emergency Medical Team. Sebastian Kluska, director of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service SAR, praised the professionalism of the m/s Bryza crew.
On Sunday at 11:21, the master of the passenger ferry Stena Ebba, operated by Stena Line Polska, notified the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) of MSPiR SAR of the need for an urgent medical evacuation of a passenger with a suspected heart attack.
Due to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and limited visibility, the deployment of a rescue helicopter was not possible. In response, MRCC decided to carry out the operation using surface assets.
The rescue vessel m/s Bryza, stationed in Władysławowo, was tasked with the operation. Despite difficult sea conditions, the crew successfully approached the ferry, safely transferred the patient on board, and transported him towards shore.
At 12:23, the patient — conscious and under continuous medical supervision — was handed over to a ground-based Emergency Medical Services team, which took over further treatment.
- This operation clearly demonstrates the importance of flexibility and readiness to act in all conditions. When air assets cannot be deployed, maritime rescue operations must be effectively conducted using surface vessels. The crew of m/s Bryza showed full professionalism, experience, and excellent coordination with MRCC and the ferry’s crew, said Sebastian Kluska, Director of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (MSPiR SAR).
The operation highlights the critical role of MSPiR SAR in ensuring maritime safety for passenger and commercial shipping in the Baltic Sea. Effective coordination, rapid decision-making, and well-trained crews remain essential to maintaining safety at sea, particularly during periods of challenging hydrometeorological conditions.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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