The Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft have completed an long-range medical evacuation from a vessel over 200 kilometres off the southwest coast this afternoon.
Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue coordination centre on Valentia Island in Kerry coordinated the operation.
The Irish Coast Guard was requested to urgently evacuate a crew member from a container ship, the Eagle 2, which at the time was located 110 nautical miles (203kms) south west of Castletownbere, Co. Cork.
Rescue 115 departed Shannon shortly before 2.00pm and routed to Castletownbere where the crew landed to refuel. Rescue 115 then continued its journey to rendezvous with the vessel.
The Coast Guard’s fixed wing aircraft, Rescue 120 Foxtrot (R120F), was also tasked to assist with the mission providing top-cover support for the helicopter crew.
Sea conditions at the scene were reported to be challenging however the medevac operation was successfully completed at 4.30pm.
The casualty was flown to Shannon Airport where the helicopter landed at around 5.47pm. Rescue 115 was met at Shannon by National Ambulance Service paramedics.
The crew member was transported to University Hospital Limerick for treatment.
