Boaters cruising the Bahamas now have a new emergency option with the launch of Tropic Air Rescue, the first private helicopter air ambulance service in the islands.
Founded by aviation expert and veteran first responder Anthony Marinello, Tropic Air Rescue operates on a membership basis and provides rapid emergency transport across the Bahamas and coastal Florida. Using twin-engine Sikorsky S-76B helicopters staffed by certified trauma paramedics, nurses and critical care physicians, the company says it can respond far faster than traditional fixed-wing air ambulances, which often take many hours to deploy.
“Before we launched, many patients had to wait more than a full day for help to arrive,” Marinello said. “We’re changing that. Our mission is to make lifesaving care accessible within the golden hour, no matter how remote the location.”
Memberships are offered for individuals, families and marine vessels, with coverage starting at $1,000 a year for individuals, $3,650 a year for families of up to five, and vessel coverage beginning at $120 per foot with a three-month minimum. Members pay no out-of-pocket costs at the time of rescue, and coverage activates within 48 hours of enrollment.
Since starting operations, Tropic Air Rescue has completed more than 35 rescues, including nighttime trauma lifts from private islands, yachts and cruise ships. The company is also the first FAA-certified helicopter air ambulance dedicated to the Bahamas and holds cabotage clearance allowing it to legally transport Bahamian citizens between islands for emergency care.
The leadership team includes Marinello, Medical Director Dr. Mauricio Lynn—a trauma surgeon with Jackson Health and UHealth—and COO Robbie J. Meek, a critical care aviation specialist with more than two decades of emergency management experience.Dispatch coverage extends across all 700-plus Bahamian islands and nearby coastal Florida communities. Membership information and sign-up are available at tropicairrescue.com.
