NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Tropic Air Rescue has officially launched operations as the first private helicopter air ambulance service in The Bahamas, introducing a subscription-based emergency response model aimed at boaters, residents, and visitors across the archipelago.
Founded by aviation executive and veteran first responder Anthony Marinello, the company is positioning itself as a faster alternative to traditional fixed-wing air ambulances. Using twin-engine Sikorsky S-76B helicopters staffed with certified trauma paramedics, nurses, and critical care physicians, Tropic Air Rescue says it can reduce response times from many hours to within the critical “golden hour.”
“Before we launched, many patients had to wait more than a full day for help to arrive,” Marinello said. “We’re changing that. Our mission is to make lifesaving care accessible no matter how remote the location.”
Memberships are available for individuals starting at $1,000 annually, families of up to five from $3,650, and marine vessels beginning at $120 per foot with a three-month minimum. Members pay no out-of-pocket costs at the time of rescue, with coverage activating within 48 hours of enrollment.
Since commencing operations, Tropic Air Rescue has completed more than 35 missions, including nighttime evacuations from yachts, private islands, and cruise ships. It is also the first FAA-certified helicopter air ambulance dedicated to The Bahamas and holds cabotage clearance to legally transport Bahamian citizens between islands for emergency care.
The leadership team includes Marinello, Medical Director Dr. Mauricio Lynn, a trauma surgeon with Jackson Health and UHealth, and COO Robbie J. Meek, a critical care aviation specialist with more than 20 years of emergency management experience. Dispatch coverage spans all 700-plus Bahamian islands and nearby South Florida communities.
Marinello, who has logged over 14,000 flight hours and nearly 5,000 rescues during his 35-year career, also leads Tropic Air Charters, a U.S. carrier serving Florida and The Bahamas for three decades. He said it took two years to establish Tropic Air Rescue, from acquiring aircraft to securing both FAA and Bahamian certifications.
He underscored that the company’s business model hinges not only on speed but also on safety: “There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old bold pilots,” Marinello said, stressing that dual-pilot operations, twin-engine aircraft, and conservative go/no-go decision-making are core to its operations.
