U.S. submariner receives urgent medical evacuation by Danish forces off Greenland as Trump directs hospital ship to the island

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Denmark’s military reported that its Arctic Command personnel evacuated a U.S. submarine crew member requiring immediate medical attention.

According to a post on its Facebook page, the Danish Joint Arctic Command stated the individual was evacuated on Saturday approximately 7 nautical miles (13 kilometers) from Nuuk, the capital of the vast, icy territory, and taken to a city hospital. A Danish Seahawk helicopter, operating from an inspection vessel, performed the retrieval.

Separately late Saturday, former President Donald Trump announced intentions to send a hospital ship to Greenland, Denmark’s autonomous territory, claiming many residents are ill and lack care. This prompted Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to defend her nation’s healthcare system.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Working with the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. It’s on the way!!!” He referred to Landry as his special envoy for Greenland.

In an interview with public broadcaster DR, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Danish officials had received no notification that the vessel was en route.

The historically robust post-World War II relationship between NATO allies Denmark and the United States has faced strain in recent months as Trump has increased rhetoric about a potential U.S. acquisition of the mineral-rich, strategically important Arctic island.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Frederiksen defended Denmark’s healthcare system on Facebook, writing 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 added, concluding with “Happy Sunday to you all” alongside a blushing, smiling emoji.

Aaja Chemnitz, one of Greenland’s two representatives in the Danish parliament, commented on Facebook: “Donald Trump wants to send a poorly maintained hospital ship to Greenland. It seems rather desperate and does not contribute to the permanent and sustainable strengthening of the healthcare system that we need.”

“Another day. Another crazy news story,” she wrote, preceding the statement with a smiley face emoji.