A medical emergency aboard the Carnival Sunshine prompted medical evacuation by the U.S. Coast Guard, as a female passenger required urgent treatment after the ship departed Norfolk, Virginia.

According to multiple passengers posting on social media, the high-risk operation lasted approximately 50 minutes, and took place in challenging conditions with winds exceeding 30 mph and seas reaching 8 to 10 feet, showcasing what one passenger described as an impressive display of skill and discipline by the Coast Guard team.

Passenger Karen Swiney, sailing aboard the Sunshine, reported that the ship had been en route to Bermuda with an expected arrival on Tuesday, September 2. However, due to the emergency, the U.S. Coast Guard airlifted the passenger while the ship was still off the coast of Norfolk. As a result, the itinerary was adjusted, pushing arrival in Bermuda to Wednesday, September 3.

Swiney also said that the crew and emergency responders handled the situation with professionalism and urgency. She encouraged others to keep the evacuated woman in their prayers and praised the swift coordination between the ship's crew and Coast Guard personnel.

Another passenger confirmed the delay, stating that the entire itinerary has shifted by one day. The Carnival Sunshine’s current sailing is a six-day, round-trip cruise to Bermuda that began on August 31. Despite the disruption, passengers have largely responded with compassion and concern of the evacuated guest over the inconvenience of the delay.

Photo Credit: Dan Flood (video screenshot)