Fisherman rescued after three-hour Coast Guard helicopter mission

The Department of Transport said the winds were high, but well within the capabilities of the helicopter.

A FISHERMAN HAS been taken to hospital after being airlifted from a vessel nearly 300km off Clare.

The man was airlifted off the vessel west of Loop Head this morning and has been take to University Hospital Limerick.

The Shannon-based Rescue 115 helicopter was dispatched after the man got into difficulty. He was taken from the boat amid tough conditions.

The Coast Guard said the winds were high, but well within the capabilities of the helicopter.

“The operation was coordinated by the Coast Guard Marine Rescue Centre in Valentia who were initially alerted by the fishing vessel, via HF (hi frequency long-range) radio.

“Weather conditions on scene were described as challenging with North Westerly winds exceeding 30 Knots but well within the operating limits of the Coast Guard helicopter.”

Read: Stena ferry finally docks at Fishguard after being stranded at sea overnight

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