Air Force Rescues MA Boy From Cruise Ship After Medical Emergency

TEMPLETON, MA — A Massachusetts mother whose little boy was rescued by helicopter from a Carnival cruise ship after suffering a medical emergency is seeking financial help to cover her son's medical costs.

Angela Bridges of Templeton told ABC News that the Air Force was called to rescue her son Aidan, 12, from the Carnival Cenezia ship that was heading from New York City to the Caribbean after Aidan suffered a ruptured bowel.

The Air Force were able to reach Aidan than 350 miles offshore during the mission, which required the assistance of multiple helicopters. Pararescuemen were roped down to retrieve Aidan and his mother, who were then hoisted up into the helicopter, according to the Air Force.

The boy was treated on the helicopter as he was flown to North Carolina for treatment, Bridges said in the description of a GoFundMe.

"I’ve seen several videos around the internet that people on the ship took of the helicopter evacuation and us getting hoisted up," Bridges wrote. "At the end of one of them, the helicopter was starting to fly away from the ship and people were clapping and cheering. It was so heartwarming to see. It made me cry."

Bridges said that she wasn't sure what to set for the fundraising goal, so she chose Aiden's insurance deductible plus the out-of-pocket maximum.

As of Thursday morning, the fundraiser had reached $790 of its $3,500 goal.

"I am so touched by everyone’s care and worry about our son and our family," Bridges wrote. "We are beyond grateful to have people who want to help in this way ... Thank you so much to everyone who has expressed well wishes and prayers and good thoughts for our sweet baby and the rest of our family."