Cruise Ship Passenger Airlifted Off Seal Rocks Near Port Stephens

A dramatic rescue operation unfolded off the coast of Port Stephens on Monday night, when the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked to airlift a passenger suffering a serious medical condition from a cruise ship northeast of Seal Rocks.

The incident occurred around 9pm on 29 September, with NSW Ambulance requesting assistance for a winch extrication due to the patient’s condition. The man, in his 60s, required urgent medical care while the vessel remained well offshore.

Because of the cruise ship’s distance from land, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) deployed an aircraft from Essendon in Melbourne to provide top cover and support during the mission.

A NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic was winched onto the cruise ship from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. The paramedic stabilised the patient before he was safely hoisted from the deck and transferred into the aircraft.

The man was then flown directly to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle for further treatment.

Authorities praised the coordinated effort between NSW Ambulance, AMSA, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew, who worked together under challenging conditions to ensure the patient received lifesaving care.