Working Conditions Aboard the Celebrity-Solstice

On April 23, 2026, a coordinated effort between the US Coast Guard and the Navy led to the successful medevac of an ailing passenger from the cruise ship 'Celebrity Solstice', located approximately 58 nautical miles off the coast of Oahu. The incident began on April 22 at 3:19 PM when the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Honolulu received an urgent request from the ship regarding a passenger experiencing severe health complications. Following consultations with a duty flight surgeon, the decision to conduct a medevac was made. Coast Guard watchstanders maintained constant communication with the crew of 'Celebrity Solstice' to monitor the patient's condition as the vessel made its way towards Oahu. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter team from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point successfully hoisted the 78-year-old passenger and transported him to Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, where he was reported in stable condition. Meanwhile, an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter from Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 provided essential communication support and aerial surveillance during the operation. To view further details and video coverage of the event, visit the US Coast Guard’s press release at https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4470788/coast-guard-medevacs-cruise-ship-passenger-offshore-oahu/

The U.S. Coast Guard has officially halted its search for a 40-year-old woman who tragically fell overboard from the cruise ship 'Celebrity Solstice' on the early morning of May 17, 2022. The incident occurred near Eldred Rock in the upper Lynn Canal while the ship was en route from Juneau to Skagway. According to the captain's reports, surveillance footage confirmed that the woman went overboard around 3 a.m. The exhaustive search operation, which continued for approximately nine hours, involved a helicopter dispatched from Sitka, a response vessel from Juneau, and personnel aboard the Coast Guard Cutter 'Chandeleur' stationed in Valdez. Despite these efforts, the search was called off after the Coast Guard evaluated the ominous circumstances, including an estimated survival time of just 6.19 hours in the frigid waters. At the time of the incident, the cruise ship was on its fourth day of a week-long round-trip journey originating from Seattle.

On July 19, 2019, the cruise ship 'Celebrity Solstice' experienced a sudden power outage shortly after setting sail from Seattle, prompting an immediate return to the port. The ship, which was en route to Alaska, lost power unexpectedly but was able to restore it shortly thereafter. However, under guidance from the United States Coast Guard, the vessel returned for an inspection despite the restored power. Fortunately, all 4,321 passengers aboard were safe and unharmed during the incident. After completing necessary inspections and ensuring the vessel's safety, the 'Celebrity Solstice' set out again and proceeded towards its scheduled itinerary, with Anchorage as its first port of call, anticipated to arrive on July 21. The ship’s journey will include additional stops in Juneau, Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, and Victoria.

On May 30, 2018, a swift response from the Coast Guard saved the day as a woman aboard the 'Celebrity Solstice' required urgent medical assistance near Noyes Island, close to Craig, Alaska. The incident began when the ship's captain alerted Coast Guard Sector Juneau that a 61-year-old woman was exhibiting symptoms indicative of a heart attack. Following the captain's report, a flight surgeon from the 17th Coast Guard District evaluated the situation and promptly recommended a medevac. Acting quickly, watchstanders at Sector Juneau coordinated the deployment of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Sitka. The helicopter successfully hoisted the stricken passenger, transporting her to Ketchikan, Alaska. There, a Guardian Flight medical team awaited her arrival for the continuation of her care. During the mission, weather conditions were relatively favorable, featuring light winds at 5 mph and visibility extending up to 10 miles, aiding in a smooth operation. For more on this rescue, check out the accompanying video report at KTOO's website: https://www.ktoo.org/2018/05/31/watch-coast-guard-medevacs-woman-from-cruise-ship-near-craig/