Cruise ship makes emergency stop in Nuku’alofa [1]
Friday, March 7, 2014 - 18:15. Updated on Friday, March 7, 2014 - 19:00.
The MS Pacific Princess cruise ship made an emergency stop in Nuku’alofa yesterday afternoon March 6, because two people needed urgent medical attention.
Matangi Tonga understands that a male crew-member and an elderly woman passenger were brought ashore for treatment.
According to information from the Vaiola Hospital the crew man underwent immediate surgery on his appendix and is recovering at the hospital.
Meanwhile, the elderly woman was airlifted in a jet ambulance for medical treatment in Australia.
A spokesperson from the Airport Terminal Services confirmed that the jet departed Fua'amotu International Airport at 7:10pm last night, carrying the passenger who was reported to have suffered a mild heart attack.
The cruise ship made the emergency stop at Vuna Wharf from 3:00 to 5:00pm after sailing from the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand bound for American Samoa.