Medical Emergency at Sea: Crotone Coast Guard Vessel Intervenes for Urgent Transfer

Crotone, May 16, 2025 - A busy day in the Ionian Sea, with the Crotone Coast Guard playing a key role in a delicate medical rescue operation for a passenger aboard the Bermuda-flagged cruise ship Azura. The alarm was raised this morning when a health emergency necessitated the urgent transfer of an individual from the ship, en route to Split, Croatia.

According to real-time information gathered, the Crotone Coast Guard vessel CP321 immediately headed towards the Azura. The latter, which departed from Valletta (Malta) the previous day at 19:37 UTC and had an estimated time of arrival in Split for 05:45 UTC tomorrow, was sailing at a speed of 21 knots on a course of 244°.

At 12:29 UTC, the ship began to slow down to facilitate the transfer operations. At the same time, the port of Crotone was experiencing adverse weather conditions, with heavy rain. An ambulance was already waiting at the New Port of Crotone to receive the patient upon arrival ashore.

The planned location for the transfer was about 26 nautical miles from the port of Crotone. At 13:25 UTC, it was presumed that the transfer operations had been completed. However, a twist occurred shortly after: at 13:40 UTC, both the Azura and the Coast Guard vessel appeared to be heading towards the port of Crotone. Initially, it was unclear whether the patient had actually been transferred to the Coast Guard vessel, as the Azura's speed was higher and it was also heading towards the port.

Wind conditions in the area indicated a north wind at 12 knots, with gusts reaching up to 18 knots.

The situation became clearer around 15:10 UTC. The Azura slowed down until it stopped in front of the port of Crotone. At the same time, the Coast Guard vessel CP321 approached the large passenger ship. At this point, it became evident that the patient transfer would take place near the port entrance, suggesting that for some unspecified reason, the transfer at sea had not occurred.

At 15:37 UTC, the Coast Guard vessel CP321 was seen heading towards the pier of the port of Crotone for the transfer of the patient to the waiting ambulance. Just a few minutes later, at 15:41 UTC, the Azura resumed its course towards the Northeast, in the direction of its original destination of Split, leaving behind this sudden medical emergency handled with professionalism and promptness by the Crotone Coast Guard.

The outcome of the passenger's condition is not yet known, but the rapid and coordinated intervention of the local maritime and health authorities underscores the importance of operational readiness in maritime emergency situations.