World · North America · 2 hrs ago
AIDAdiva diverts to evacuate passenger by helicopter off New Jersey
A passenger aboard the AIDAdiva had a serious medical emergency during the cruise ship’s return to New York.
The ship was travelling off the US East Coast after a 12-day trip with stops including Boston and Baltimore.
The crew and medical staff arranged for a helicopter to take the passenger ashore for further treatment.
At about 1:40 a.m., the ship changed course towards the coast, and the passenger was transferred to a helicopter off New Jersey around 3 a.m.
The ship then headed back towards New York, travelling at more than 21 knots at times to keep to its schedule.
AIDAdiva reached New York on time at about 7:45 a.m.
The cruise was due to end on Saturday with a passenger change, after which the ship was set to sail for the Bahamas.
AIDAdiva diverted toward the New Jersey coast to transfer a passenger with a medical emergency to a helicopter.
The transfer took place at about 3:00 a.m. local time near Long Beach Island.
The passenger was flown to a hospital on the mainland for further medical care.
The ship then increased speed and reached New York City on schedule at about 7:45 a.m.
- Who
- A passenger aboard AIDAdiva was transferred to a helicopter.
- What
- The ship diverted so the passenger could be evacuated for further medical care on land.
- When
- In the early hours of Friday, October 16, 2026; the transfer took place at about 3:00 a.m. local time.
- Where
- Off the coast of New Jersey, near Long Beach Island.
- Why
- The passenger had a medical emergency and needed further care on land.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
AIDAdiva began its 12-day “Canada & Indian Summer from New York” voyage.
The ship left Baltimore and headed toward New York City.
The crew changed course westward toward the coast to meet the rescue helicopter.
The passenger was transferred to the helicopter off New Jersey near Long Beach Island.
AIDAdiva reached the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on schedule.
- Ship
- AIDAdiva
- Passenger transfer
- About 3:00 a.m. local time
- Transfer location
- Off New Jersey near Long Beach Island
- Cruise speed after transfer
- More than 21 knots at times
- New York arrival
- About 7:45 a.m. at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal