A restaurant manager aboard Carnival Celebration has been honoured with the cruise line’s internal “Hero” award after saving the life of an 11-month-old girl who had stopped breathing during a recent voyage.
Millić Šarović rushed to assist the unconscious infant during his dinner break, successfully dislodging a grape that had blocked her airway and restoring her breathing within approximately one minute.
The Emergency Unfolds During Routine Dinner Break
The life-threatening incident occurred as Carnival Celebration was sailing towards Miami.
Šarović, who had just completed his shift, had settled down to eat in one of the ship’s 17 dining venues when the emergency began.
Credit: Millić Šarović
A fellow crew member approached him in visible distress, alerting him to a serious situation unfolding nearby.
Without hesitation, the restaurant manager abandoned his meal and rushed to investigate.
Unconscious Infant Surrounded By Panicked Crowd
Upon arriving at the scene, Šarović encountered a crowd gathered around the young girl. The 11-month-old appeared unconscious and was showing no signs of life, creating a terrifying situation for everyone present.
Bystanders were attempting to help by hitting the child on the back, which indicated to Šarović that she was choking.
However, he quickly recognised that no one was performing the proper Heimlich manoeuvre that could save her life.
Crew Member Takes Decisive Action Despite Personal Risk
Šarović made the split-second decision to intervene directly, despite the enormous personal and professional risks involved.
“I took her, even though I didn’t know if she was alive, and I risked a lot because if she had died in my arms, it would have destroyed my career and my life,” he told local media in Montenegro, where he resides.
The restaurant manager explained that his parental instincts took over in that critical moment.
Rather than worrying about the potential consequences, he focused entirely on saving the child’s life.
Successful Rescue After Approximately One Minute
Šarović’s training and quick thinking proved successful. After approximately one minute of performing the proper technique, the infant responded by expelling the grape that had blocked her airway.
The little girl began breathing again, bringing immense relief to everyone present.
The ship’s doctor subsequently arrived at the scene and confirmed that the baby was in stable condition following the terrifying ordeal.
Recognition From Carnival Cruise Line Leadership
Following the incident, Carnival Cruise Line presented Šarović with the company’s internal “Hero” award in recognition of his extraordinary actions.
The award acknowledges crew members who go above and beyond in critical situations. This recognition is particularly notable given Šarović’s already distinguished record with the cruise line.
He had previously been na
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