A recent case of a passenger on a cruise ship stopping in the Dominican Republic is a reminder of the importance of having comprehensive insurance when traveling.
The passenger on the cruise ship Oasis of the Seas was rushed for emergency medical care after the vessel docked at the tourist port of Cabo Rojo on Monday, 11 August 2025. The ship’s medical crew determined he needed more care than they could provide. The 63-year-old man, a Jamaican national residing in Miami, Florida, had reported chest pains that began while the ship was still at sea.
The passenger, identified as Richard Augustus, was taken on shore and stabilized by emergency responders from the 911 National Emergency and Security System, along with staff from the Department of Pre-hospital Emergency Care and the Emergency and Urgency Regulating Center.
Upon arrival, Augustus was diagnosed with moderate chest pain radiating to both arms and was noted to be a diabetic patient. He was first transported to the Dr. Elio Fiallo Provincial Hospital in Pedernales for initial medication and treatment.
Following the initial care, and at the request of his family and with the support of the cruise line, Augustus was taken by land to the María Montez Airport in Barahona. From there, he was medically evacuated via air to Miami for further treatment.
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El Nacional
14 August 2025