An 8-year-old boy is in critical condition after nearly drowning in a cruise-ship pool, CNN reports.
According to the New York Police Department, the young Maryland resident was rescued off the coast of New Jersey on Thursday, June 30. Police were dispatched to the scene after receiving a 911 call shortly before 8 p.m.
The boy was reportedly under water for eight to 10 minutes at the time, according to The Baltimore Sun. He was transported to Staten Island University Hospital North by helicopter.
The incident took place on the Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas cruise ship. ABC reports that the ship left from Bayonne, New Jersey, earlier in the day and was bound for a nine-day cruise to Bermuda and the Caribbean.
“The ship altered its course and sailed back toward Bayonne, New Jersey, for a medical evacuation. Royal Caribbean’s Care Team is providing support to the guest’s family,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement. The ship returned to sea after the boy and his family were removed from the area.
The official Twitter page for the cruise ship has been posting updates about the boy’s condition. Late Thursday, the company tweeted: “Please join us in keeping them in our thoughts & prayers.”
The story is still developing.
