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Crew flies 900 miles to deliver blood to cruise ship

Cruise line, Coast Guard coordinated with blood bank at Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu to provide blood for passenger

The Associated Press

HILO, Hawaii — The Coast Guard is waiting for an update on the condition of a woman who needed blood delivered to her while aboard a Hawaii-bound cruise ship.

A crew flew more than 900 miles to deliver six units of blood and medical supplies Tuesday to the ship northeast of Hilo.

The Carnival Spirit ship arrived in Hilo Wednesday and the Coast Guard says it is standing by to offer more help if needed.

The cruise line and the Coast Guard coordinated with the blood bank at Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu to provide blood for the passenger. A shatter-proof container holding the blood was then flown to the cruise ship.

Privacy law prevents the Coast Guard from providing details about the medical complications requiring blood for the 67-year-old woman.