Danish Forces Rescue U.S. Submarine Crew Member Near Greenland

Denmark's military rescued a U.S. submarine crew member who required emergency medical attention off Greenland's coast on Saturday. The rescue comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Denmark over President Trump's renewed interest in acquiring the Arctic territory.

Military forces from Denmark conducted an emergency medical evacuation of an American submarine crew member near Greenland waters over the weekend, according to officials.

Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command reported through social media that the sailor was airlifted on Saturday approximately 7 nautical miles from Nuuk, Greenland’s capital city, and taken to a local medical facility. A Danish Seahawk helicopter from a patrol vessel carried out the rescue operation.

The medical emergency occurred as diplomatic tensions escalate between the two NATO partners over Greenland’s future. On Saturday evening, President Trump revealed intentions to dispatch a hospital vessel to the Danish territory, claiming residents lack adequate medical care.

“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!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social, referencing his appointed special representative for Greenland matters.

The announcement drew a sharp response from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who pushed back against suggestions that Greenland’s healthcare system is inadequate.

Writing on Facebook Sunday, Frederiksen stated 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 her message with “Happy Sunday to you all” alongside a smiling emoji.

Relations between Washington and Copenhagen have deteriorated significantly in recent months as Trump has intensified discussions about potentially acquiring the mineral-rich Arctic island, which holds strategic military importance. The two nations have maintained strong cooperative ties since World War II.