Coast Guard Airlifts Pacific World Passenger in Septic Shock Off Kauai

The U.S. Coast Guard airlifted a 61-year-old passenger from the Japan-based cruise ship Pacific World after she suffered septic shock while the vessel was operating off Kauai, Hawaii. The woman was hoisted by helicopter and flown to The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, where she was reported in stable condition, Coast Guard officials said.

Medevac carried out by Coast Guard helicopter crew

The rescue was conducted by an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point on Oahu. Coast Guard personnel hoisted the passenger from Pacific World and transported her to Honolulu for further treatment.

Officials said the helicopter pickup took place roughly 92 miles offshore of Kauai, described in other reports as nearly 100 miles off the island. The Coast Guard described Pacific World as an 857-foot cruise ship.

How the emergency call and coordination unfolded

According to the Coast Guard, the ship’s master contacted Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu watchstanders on Sunday night, Dec. 21, 2025, shortly after 8:30 p.m., with other Coast Guard details placing the call at about 8:40 p.m. At the time of the request, the Coast Guard said the ship was about 886 miles west of Oahu.

Watchstanders coordinated with a duty flight surgeon, who recommended a medical evacuation to allow close monitoring while the ship continued toward Oahu. Coast Guard teams maintained regular communications with Pacific World’s crew as the vessel proceeded toward Honolulu, leading to the Tuesday hoist and transfer to hospital care.

Passenger condition reported as septic shock

Coast Guard information described the passenger as experiencing septic shock. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes sepsis as the body’s extreme response to an infection and notes it can become life-threatening.

Officials did not provide details about what caused the woman’s condition. Reports said onboard medical staff determined her treatment could not wait until Pacific World reached its scheduled port call in Honolulu.

Pacific World’s world voyage and ship background

The medical evacuation occurred early in Pacific World’s 107-day global voyage. The ship is operated by Peace Boat, a Japan-based operator known for education- and cultural-focused global cruises that sail roundtrip from Yokohama, featuring onboard lectures, cultural events, and visits that can include UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Pacific World departed Yokohama on Dec. 15, 2025, and was headed to Honolulu, where an overnight stay was planned for Dec. 24 and 25, 2025. The itinerary then continues to destinations in the South Pacific and beyond, with stops cited in reports including Easter Island, Rio de Janeiro, and Madagascar, before a scheduled return to Japan on March 31, 2026.

• Departure from Yokohama: The voyage began on Dec. 15, 2025, as a 107-day itinerary operating roundtrip from Japan.
• Honolulu call planned: The ship was scheduled for an overnight stay on Dec. 24–25, 2025, following the medevac.
• Easter Island scheduled: The itinerary listed a call at Easter Island on Jan. 9, 2026.
• Return to Yokohama scheduled: The voyage was scheduled to end on March 31, 2026.

The vessel has been listed as carrying up to 2,010 guests. Built in 1995, it previously sailed as Sun Princess before being sold to Peace Boat in 2020 and renamed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What helicopter was used in the Pacific World medical evacuation?

The Coast Guard used an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point on Oahu to hoist the passenger and fly her to Honolulu.

Where was Pacific World when the medevac happened?

The Coast Guard said the hoist took place about 92 miles offshore of Kauai. Officials also reported that when the initial request for a medical evacuation was received on the night of Dec. 21, the ship was about 886 miles west of Oahu as it continued toward Hawaii.

What is sepsis and septic shock?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes sepsis as the body’s extreme response to an infection and warns it can become life-threatening. Coast Guard information described the passenger’s condition as septic shock.

Why was the passenger airlifted instead of waiting for the ship to dock in Honolulu?

Reports said onboard medical staff determined the woman’s condition required urgent care and could not wait until Pacific World reached its scheduled Honolulu port call.

Who operates Pacific World?

Pacific World is operated by Peace Boat, a Japan-based cruise operator known for global voyages that emphasize education and cultural exchange.