Pacifica, California – A Bay Area couple shared a harrowing experience involving the wife’s 80-year-old mother, who suffered a stroke during a cruise ship excursion. The incident occurred during a trip sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line, while the vessel was touring African countries. Here’s a breakdown of the events and the subsequent challenges faced by the family:

Ordeal Unfolds

Julia Lenkoff, the elderly woman, suffered the medical emergency while on an excursion in São Tomé, the capital city of the central African country with the same name. Lenkoff’s daughter, Lana Gies, and son-in-law, Kurt Gies, received the distressing news from fellow passengers who had reached out to them.

Stranded and Alone

Upon falling ill, Lenkoff was taken to a hospital, where she was released after 24 hours without adequate support from the cruise line. The couple highlighted the lack of assistance from Norwegian Cruise Line, stating that Lenkoff was left with only her passport, as her money and credit cards were missing.

Gratitude Amidst Hardship

Despite the cruise line’s shortcomings, the family expressed gratitude towards a group of fellow passengers, particularly a couple from South Carolina. These individuals stepped in to assist Lenkoff, securing her a hotel room and providing necessary care.

Cruise Line’s Response

KTVU reached out to Norwegian Cruise Line for comment. While the company addressed the issue of passengers missing their transport, it did not provide information regarding Lenkoff’s situation.

Focusing on Recovery

Lenkoff, a mother and grandmother, was eventually flown back to the United States and admitted to Stanford Medical Center. The family emphasized the importance of awareness among elderly cruise passengers regarding their rights and the potential challenges they may face during emergencies.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Awareness and Support

As the family awaits Lenkoff’s discharge from the medical center, they underscore the need for improved communication and support systems within the cruise industry, particularly for elderly passengers facing medical emergencies abroad.

For further inquiries, please contact Amber Lee at [email protected] or via text/voicemail at 510-599-3922. Stay updated by following her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU, or Twitter @AmberKTVU.

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