In a shocking turn of events, Norwegian Cruise Line is facing intense criticism after an 80-year-old woman was forced to disembark on an African island, allegedly without proper medical care and assistance. The woman, Julie Lenkoff, had suffered from a stroke and a possible heart attack while on the cruise. Her family claims that the cruise line neglected their duty to provide adequate support and left her to fend for herself.

The distressing incident took place on Wednesday, March 27, when Norwegian Cruise Line made the decision to medically disembark Lenkoff on an African island. Despite her critical condition, the cruise line failed to promptly inform her emergency contacts or maintain regular communication with her family. They only had one conversation between Wednesday and Monday, which left them with no answers or reassurance about Lenkoff’s well-being.

Coincidentally, two days later, on March 29, another group of passengers, including six Americans and two Australians, was also stranded on the same African island, São Tomé, after their tour guide-led excursion ran late. It was the Campbells, Jay and Jill, from South Carolina, who took on the responsibility of assisting Lenkoff. They discovered her in a local medical facility and provided her with much-needed support, arranging for her medical needs, accommodations, and connecting her with her family.

Lenkoff's family expressed frustration with Norwegian Cruise Line for disregarding her individual situation. They emphasized that she was not part of the group that returned late from the excursion, yet the cruise line failed to provide appropriate care for her. The family accused the cruise line of lumping her together with the rest of the group, without taking responsibility for her well-being.

While the Campbells and the other stranded passengers figured out their own plans to catch up with the ship, they worked in collaboration with Lenkoff's son-in-law and daughter to arrange her return to the United States. The only feasible option was a grueling 30-hour flight from São Tomé to Lisbon, Portugal, to Toronto, and finally to Stanford Hospital in California. Despite concerns about whether she would survive the journey, Lenkoff made it back and was admitted to the hospital, where she remains under medical care.

Lenkoff's ordeal in the medical facility on the African island was particularly challenging. Speaking ten languages, she resorted to using French, but the medical staff could not understand her and were unaware she was an American. After being treated and released within 24 hours, Lenkoff was fortunate to receive assistance from the Campbells and the other stranded passengers who ensured her safety and provided essential support.

The delayed response and lack of acknowledgment from Norwegian Cruise Line infuriated Lenkoff's family. The cruise line released a statement earlier over the weekend, addressing the stranded passengers but making no mention of Lenkoff's medical emergency. Fox News Digital received responses from the cruise line only after 24 hours of inquiries.

Norwegian Cruise Line defended their actions, stating that the decision to disembark Lenkoff was made by the onboard medical team and that they tried to contact her multiple times. However, since Lenkoff was coherent and had been released from the hospital, the protocol dictated that they could communicate only with her directly. The cruise line claimed that they activated their Care Team and worked closely with port agents to ensure Lenkoff's safe return to the United States.

Lenkoff's daughter, Lana, expressed her gratitude for the support and concern shown by others and highlighted the lack of assistance from Norwegian Cruise Line during the distressing ordeal.

This incident adds to the mounting criticism faced by the cruise industry, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and transparency when it comes to passenger safety and well-being.