Aidastella

On Nov 10, the 'AIDAstella' had to change its planned route off the coast of South Africa during a day at sea, en route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, due to a medical emergency on board, which caused the ship to set course for the coast in the morning. A helicopter was deployed near Cape Agulhas to bring the 72 year old, German passenger from the ship to shore. After the patient was hoisted, the 'AIDAstella' continued its journey and reached the port of Port Elizabeth as planned on the morning of Nov 11. Report with video: https://www.2oceansvibe.com/2024/11/12/south-african-air-force-and-nsri-rescue-german-tourist-from-cruise-ship-in-cape-town/

Environmental protesters have once again blocked cruise ships from entering the port of Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur). The associations Stop Croisières and Extinction Rébellion took to the port entrance on Sep 21, 2024. The 'Aidastella' was forced to turn back at around 07:00 a.m., with 2,000 passengers on board. At least three cruise ships and a ferry from Corsica also had to wait at sea before the port reopened. The protesters remained on the water in kayaks, before being removed by the maritime police. The port reopened at around 09:00,a.m. Around 20 people were arrested. The political group Une Génération pour Marseille responded: “These activists provoked an emergency manoeuvre for a ship, putting thousands of passengers’ lives at risk. This is the face of those who want to see the economic and social decline of Marseille. Our port is not a lawless zone.” Report with photo: https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/environmental-protesters-block-cruise-ships-from-marseille-port/679893

In the early morning of Oct 23, 2023, a medical evacuation from the 'AIDAStella' became necessary, while the cruise ship was en route from Palma de Mallorca to Mahón. The CCS Palma of Salvamento Marítimo mobilized the Helimer 220 SAR helicopter, which hoisted the passenger and trasported him to the Son Espases University Hospital for further medical care.