Coast Guard rescues 75-year-old suffering heart condition from cruise ship

TAMPA — The Coast Guard evacuated a 75-year-old man from a cruise ship in Tampa Bay after the man fainted and appeared to be suffering heart problems, officials said.

The man, who was not identified, began experiencing an irregular heartbeat aboard the Jewel of the Seas Monday evening.

After trying to treat the man on the ship, a doctor decided the man needed more medical treatment than he was able to provide, according to the Coast Guard.

Cruise officials contacted the Coast Guard station in St. Petersburg just before 6:15 p.m., asking for a medical evacuation, officials said.

A 45-foot rescue boat was launched at about 7 p.m. The crew reached the cruise ship and brought the man aboard, transferring him and his family back to St. Petersburg, where emergency responders were waiting, officials said.

The man was taken to Trinity Medical Center, where he was treated Monday night.

No further information was available early Tuesday morning.