Danish Forces Rescue Ill U.S. Submariner in Urgent Greenland Mission

COPENHAGEN – Danish military forces have successfully evacuated a crew member from a U.S. submarine near Greenland, requiring urgent medical treatment, according to reports from Denmark’s Arctic Command.

The Danish Joint Arctic Command announced on Facebook that the evacuation took place on Saturday, approximately 7 nautical miles (8 miles or 13 kilometers) off the coast of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. The crew member was airlifted by a Danish Seahawk helicopter, which was stationed on an inspection ship, and then transported to a local hospital for further care.

In a separate development on the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed plans to dispatch a hospital ship to Greenland. He claimed that numerous residents were in need of medical care, prompting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to defend the country’s healthcare system.

“Working with the exceptional Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we’re sending a fantastic hospital ship to Greenland to assist the many people who are unwell and not receiving adequate care there. It’s on its way!!!” Trump announced on his Truth Social platform, referencing his special envoy for Greenland.

Relations between NATO allies Denmark and the United States, traditionally strong since World War II, have been tested recently. Tensions have escalated due to Trump’s discussions about a potential U.S. acquisition of Greenland, a region known for its rich mineral resources and strategic location in the Arctic.

Frederiksen defended Denmark’s health care system on Sunday, writing on Facebook that she was “happy to live in a country where there is free and equal access to health for all. Where it’s not insurances and wealth that determine whether you get proper treatment.”

“You have the same approach in Greenland,” she said, before adding: “Happy Sunday to you all” in front of a blushing, smiling emoji.