An unusual medical emergency occurred on the cruise ship Carnival Dream on May 6, 2023, which resulted in a recommended medical evacuation by the US Coast Guard. The incident involved an 86-year-old male guest who ingested a battery, causing gastrointestinal issues and other side effects. The incident occurred just hours after the ship departed from Galveston, Texas, for an 8-night Eastern Caribbean sailing.

After evaluating the guest, the onboard medical team recommended a medevac in consultation with the duty flight surgeon. At 7:22 p.m. on May 6, the US Coast Guard received a call for a recommended medical evacuation from the Carnival Dream. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was dispatched from Coast Guard Air Station Houston to the cruise ship, which was about 50 miles from Galveston.

The evacuation was successfully executed, with the helicopter crew hoisting the passenger aboard and transporting them to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. No further details have been released about the person’s condition, as the guest’s privacy and that of their companions were of concern.

The battery in question could have been a small button cell battery commonly used in car key fobs, pedometers, watches, or hearing aids. These batteries are less than an inch wide and can easily be mistaken for a pill or a piece of candy. If ingested, they can react with bodily fluids like stomach acid, mucus, or saliva, creating a live circuit that can burn the esophageal lining or blood vessels. Prompt removal is essential, as some batteries may contain toxic substances like mercury or cadmium.