SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — A young Louisiana woman’s first cruise was meant to be unforgettable for all the right reasons. Instead, it turned into a medical emergency after she suffered a devastating injury during a rope swing excursion in Honduras, leading to an emergency air evacuation back to the United States that cost nearly $50,000.
According to her boyfriend, Blake, the accident happened on the third day of a Carnival cruise while Kirsten Lindsey was taking part in a shore excursion. Blake said a retrieval line appeared to have been connected to the rope swing incorrectly before the incident occurred.
“The line suddenly tightened between Kirsten’s legs just before she dropped,” Blake said, describing the injury as a catastrophic saddle injury.
At first, Kirsten thought she had only suffered a minor scratch and made her way back to the dock. But within hours, her condition worsened dramatically as the pain intensified and swelling grew more severe. Before long, the injured area had swollen to about the size of a baseball.
Kirsten’s mother, Tara, said her daughter spent more than 12 hours in the cruise ship’s medical center. The couple later learned that Costa Maya offered the best chance for evacuation because it was the closest stop with access to an airport.
Blake said he called 911 from the ship, and Kirsten was quickly taken to the vessel’s medical center, where she received treatment for several hours. Before being permitted to leave the cruise ship, the couple had to pay about $4,000 out of pocket for medical care.
As her condition worsened, they were presented with three options: remain in the ship’s medical facility for the rest of the cruise, travel to a hospital in Mexico and find their own way home, or arrange an emergency air evacuation back to the United States. Blake said the evacuation ultimately cost about $20,000 to leave Costa Maya and another $30,000 to return to the United States.
“We chose the air evacuation because we believed it was the best way to get Kirsten the care she needed,” Blake said.
After hours of delays, Kirsten was transported by ambulance to an airport, where a private medical jet flew her to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She was then taken to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, where she underwent her first surgery.
The couple now faces mounting medical bills, travel expenses, lost income, and the challenge of getting themselves and their vehicle back home to Louisiana.
After returning home, Kirsten continued receiving treatment through CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center. She is currently undergoing a second surgery as she continues her recovery from the injuries sustained during the excursion.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Kirsten and her family as they navigate the challenges of her recovery, and they are asking for continued prayers and support throughout the healing process.
If you would like to donate, click here.
