Cruise Passenger off Toms River Coast Flown to Hospitalization

An 84-year-old woman injured aboard the Carnival Splendor cruise ship was flown by Coast Guard helicopter to hospitalization as the liner passed Toms River Thursday.

Coast Guard officials say the Canadian woman injured her hip in a fall. Watchstanders in Philadelphia were notified that she needed medical treatment.

A crew from USCG Air Station Atlantic City rushed her to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City.

The chopper commander, Lieutenant Marc McDonnell, remarked that timing played a uniquely critical role.

“Our aircrew had just completed hoist training when we received the medevac request," he said in a prepared release.

"Our rescue swimmer and flight mechanic did an exceptional job managing the medevac and we were able to quickly transport the patient to the hospital for further care. It's great to see how our training can make a difference in someone's life.”