A passenger has been airlifted from Queen Mary 2 after becoming unwell during a transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York.
The Cunard ocean liner altered course towards Ireland's south coast on the evening of Sunday 20 September to bring the vessel within range of an Irish Coast Guard helicopter.
Ireland's Department of Transport confirmed that the passenger was winched from the ship and flown to Waterford Airport, where they were transferred into the care of the Health Service Executive.
Two Coast Guard aircraft deployed
The Marine Rescue Sub Centre at Valentia coordinated the operation after receiving the request for medical assistance.
The Irish Coast Guard tasked the Waterford-based Rescue 117 helicopter alongside the Shannon-based R120F fixed-wing aircraft. The aeroplane provided support while the helicopter carried out the evacuation from Queen Mary 2.
The Department of Transport said the casualty was successfully winched from the vessel before being taken to Waterford Airport.
No information has been released about the passenger's identity, nationality, medical condition or subsequent treatment. Deck7 is therefore not speculating about the nature or severity of the illness.
Queen Mary 2 altered its transatlantic route
Queen Mary 2 was travelling west across the Atlantic when the emergency occurred. The ship moved back towards the Irish coast to support the helicopter operation before continuing its voyage.
Cunard's published itinerary identifies the sailing as voyage M623, a seven-night westbound transatlantic crossing. The ship departed Southampton on Saturday 19 September and is scheduled to arrive in New York on Saturday 26 September.
The itinerary contains six consecutive days at sea and no scheduled intermediate port calls. Cunard has not publicly announced a cancellation or further itinerary change connected with the evacuation.
Specialist rescue response
Helicopter evacuations from ships at sea require close coordination between the vessel's bridge team, rescue aircraft and shore-based controllers. A ship may need to change speed and heading or move closer to land so that the operation can be completed within the helicopter's safe operating range.
The supporting fixed-wing aircraft can assist with communications, scene coordination and oversight during operations conducted farther offshore.
Queen Mary 2 is Cunard's flagship and the world's only ocean liner in regular passenger service. The vessel was designed for scheduled transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York as well as longer cruises.
Official confirmation
The rescue has been officially confirmed by Ireland's Department of Transport. The department provided the operational details to The Irish Sun, including the aircraft deployed, the helicopter winch and the passenger's transfer to the HSE.
Cunard's official booking information independently confirms the dates and route of the transatlantic voyage. No further official update on the passenger's condition had been published when this article was prepared.