Medevac from Aurora

[CCFC]

There was a Medevac from Aurora yesterday.

 

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2017/01/articles/rescue-1/passenger-medevaced-nearly-600-kilometers-from-po-aurora/

 

I hope the poor lady recovers, its also a reminder to make sure you have proper travel insurance and not just an EHIC as at that distance it would be very expensive.

[tartanexile81]

Amazing to watch but my heart goes out to the poor lady. She must have been very frightened.

[Goosebear Mum]

This wasn't yesterday, but 2 days ago ( it was also overnight) and yes, I really hope the patient recovers.

 

The captain kept us well informed as to plans (though we guessed what was about to happen, as the ship changed course before the captain announced it!). and the next day told us the complex transfer was successful. Aurora sped up to max speed to get to within helicopter range from Lisbon. The plane and helicopter arrived overnight, but we slept through that. Aurora was soon back on track

 

It does bring home the reason why cruise insurance can be so very expensive...

 

I wonder where the website got the info from...

 

My best wishes to whoever was involved.

Edited January 9, 2017 by Goosebear Mum

[Ataraxia]

Please remember that a medivac is a completley different thing to repatriation in the eyes of the insurance company.

[EJMcruiser]

Wouldn't this type of coast guard operation be free?

[Sussexboy]

How does a fixed wing aircraft support a helicopter several hundred kilometres off the coast?

[Brayman]

How does a fixed wing aircraft support a helicopter several hundred kilometres off the coast?

 

The only way I can think of is with in-flight refuelling, the fixed wing plane would be carrying fuel and the facility to refuel the helicopter if required.

[stephen@stoneyard.co.uk]

I was told by a captain so it must be true. The helicopter has limited flying time. They only have a few minutes to complete the mission before returning to land. They obviously have to have enough fuel to get back. The airplane can be airborne for many hours longer. The airplane arrives first, locates the ship and guides the helicopter to the ship. If the helicopter had to find the ship it would waste valuable flying time and the rescue might have to aborted.

 

The helicopters are also stripped of non essential weight e.g. spare seats to maximise flying time. In the case of the Atlantic Ocean fuel stores are maintained on islands off the coast of Canada and helicopters can land on these islands to refuel. This extends their range of operations further out to sea.

 

In flight refuelling of helicopters apparently is possible but is limited to very few specialised forces. Helicopters and airplanes fly at different speeds and in different ways. Getting them connected and keeping them connected would not be easy.

 

All this comes with the proviso that the captain told me.

 

Best wishes, Stephen.

 

 

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[Brayman]

In flight refuelling of helicopters apparently is possible but is limited to very few specialised forces. Helicopters and airplanes fly at different speeds and in different ways. Getting them connected and keeping them connected would not be easy.

 

All this comes with the proviso that the captain told me.

 

Best wishes, Stephen.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

That's correct and it is mainly helicopter stations near the sea and oceans that are equipped this way, for obvious reasons. Cobham of Wimborne were pioneers in Flight Refuelling Services.

[Sussexboy]

Thanks, that makes sense of it for me.

[stephen@stoneyard.co.uk]

Thank you. I had never heard Cobham. They are a big concern and interesting.

 

Best wishes, Stephen.

 

 

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[soobs]

How amazing and how interesting, I do hope the lady is okay and her family can join her on land.

This is why it is essential you ensure you have the correct insurance cover. What a fantastic team exercise collaboration at it's best.