Two Irish Coast Guard helicopters are on their way to airlift an injured crewman from a fishing trawler off the south west coast.
Shannon based Rescue 115 is expected to rendezvous with the Irish fishing vessel at around 5.30pm.
The Waterford based helicopter, Rescue 117, is also on its way to provide ‘Top Cover’ communications support.
The trawler was reported to be around 120 nautical miles (222 kms) west of the Blasket Islands.
The long range operation is being coordinated by the Irish Coast Guard marine rescue sub centre on Valentia island.
Staff there received a request for assistance from the skipper of the fishing vessel earlier this afternoon. It’s understood that a crew member suffered an injury and that he requires hospitalisation.
Update: 7.30pm
Rescue 115 reached the vessel at around 5.30pm.
The casualty was airlifted to Cork Airport and transferred by road to Cork University Hospital for treatment.