RCAF Evacuates Injured Cruise Crew Member Off Port Hardy
The Kingfisher reached the vessel first and stayed overhead while the Cormorant helicopter lowered two search-and-rescue technicians to the deck.
Updated September 24, 2026
A Royal Canadian Air Force search-and-rescue team evacuated an injured Disney Wonder cast member from the cruise ship on Sept. 8, 2026, as it sailed 182 kilometres northwest of Port Hardy, British Columbia. The team flew the patient to Comox for transfer to a waiting BC Emergency Health Services helicopter for further medical care.
The evacuation did not disrupt Disney Wonder’s seven-night Alaska itinerary from Vancouver. The Sept. 7 voyage continued to Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan before returning to Vancouver on Sept. 14.
Aircraft coordinate evacuation from Disney Wonder
A CC-295 Kingfisher fixed-wing aircraft and a CH-149 Cormorant, a long-range all-weather search-and-rescue helicopter, responded from 19 Wing Comox’s 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron. The Kingfisher reached Disney Wonder first, coordinated the evacuation with the ship’s captain and remained overhead during the mission.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria dispatched the aircraft under the callsigns RSCU 503 for the Kingfisher and RSCU 915 for the Cormorant. Rescue personnel instructed Disney Wonder to switch off its radar and slow to five knots during the airlift.
After reaching the vessel, the helicopter lowered two search-and-rescue technicians onto the ship’s bow deck. They took responsibility for the patient and prepared the cast member for transfer. Video recorded by the rescue team shows the Cormorant hovering above Disney Wonder as the patient and accompanying medical personnel were hoisted aboard.
Audio from the operation captured communications between the ship and the helicopter, including confirmation that the evacuation was complete. “Disney Wonder, from Rescue 915, thanks for your help, you can resume your speed,” the rescue team said. “Thank you very much for your help, much appreciated,” the ship’s crew responded.
Alaska sailing continued as scheduled
The ship carries about 950 international crew members, whom Disney Cruise Line refers to as cast members. Its subsequent Sept. 14 departure was also unaffected.
The identity of the injured cast member and the nature of the injury were not disclosed. No further information about the patient’s condition was reported.
The Department of National Defence identifies 442 Squadron as the primary aviation and marine response unit for the Victoria search-and-rescue region. The region covers about 920,000 square kilometres across British Columbia and Yukon, along with 560,000 square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean.
