'My boys instantly started praying': How passengers responded after Air Canada captain suffered mid-air seizure and dragged out of the cockpit

Passengers on an Air Canada regional flight reportedly stepped in to assist the cabin crew after the aircraft's captain experienced a medical emergency during a flight from New Jersey to Nova Scotia, forced an emergency diversion to Boston.

Flight AC7664, operated by PAL Airlines on behalf of Air Canada, was traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport to Halifax Stanfield International Airport on June 24 when the aircraft suddenly swerved in the air, according to ABC News.

Passengers told the outlet that the captain appeared to be suffering from a seizure for about 40 minutes. During the incident, the first officer assumed control of the aircraft and diverted the flight to Boston Logan International Airport, where it landed safely. The airline later confirmed the captain had been taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

Air Canada says safety procedures were followed during Flight AC7664's diversion

Air Canada confirmed the flight was carrying 61 passengers and said customers were being assisted with alternate travel arrangements to complete their journeys.

WCVB reported, citing a statement from the airline, "During the flight, the captain experienced a medical issue and was removed from the flight deck as per safety protocols. The first officer took control of the aircraft and diverted the flight to Boston, where it landed safely."

Passenger response on Air Canada flight helped cabin crew during emergency

Among the passengers who assisted was Rodney McDonald, who was traveling with his wife and two sons. Speaking to ABC News, he described the frightening moments after the aircraft abruptly changed course. "The moment the plane swerved, I knew something was wrong because it was not turbulence," he recalled to the outlet, adding, "It really felt like someone had jilted the controls and then it happened over and over again. And, you know, every thought goes through your mind, you start praying. My boys instantly started praying."

McDonald said the situation quickly became more alarming. "One of the flight attendants entered the cockpit frantically, and a few moments later, he was dragging one of the pilots out of the cockpit onto the aisle way of the airplane," McDonald told ABC News.

Air Canada captain having a seizure

According to McDonald, the captain appeared to be having a seizure. He said he and four other passengers helped restrain the pilot while the co-pilot flew the aircraft toward Boston. "Yeah, it was really horrifying. I was sitting in the front row, my family was from [there] back, just the way the seat arrangement worked out," adding, "And I went back to sit with them and then realized that the pilot was out of control physically, not violently, like it was clear that he was not in control of his faculties and needed to be restrained."

Describing the lengthy effort, McDonald said: "[We] worked to get him under control, it was a fairly strenuous 40 minutes of keeping him down and using as many seatbelts as we could to restrain his legs arms and chest."

He also said a registered nurse on board assisted the pilot and helped direct passengers during the emergency while praising the flight attendants for remaining calm throughout the ordeal.

CDC guidance on responding to a seizure

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against restraining someone who may be experiencing a seizure or attempting to stop their movements, as doing so can lead to injuries.

Instead, the agency recommends staying with the person, keeping nearby objects out of the way to prevent injury, and remaining calm until the episode ends.