THE SHANNON-BASED Irish Coast Guard helicopter airlifted an injured from crewman from a fishing trawler off the west coast overnight.

The medical evacuation – known as a medevac – was mounted after the alarm was raised at around 11.35pm.

Watch officers at the Irish Coast Guard’s marine rescue sub-centre on Valentia Island in Kerry received a report of an incident on board the Irish registered vessel which was located about 155km west of Loop Head in Co Clare.

A crewman was reported to have suffered crush injuries in an accident on board and required urgent medical attention.

The crew of Rescue 115 reached the trawler shortly before 1.30am. The Coast Guard winchman/paramedic was lowered onto the deck of the vessel where the injured man was assessed and prepared for the medevac.

The casualty was winched onboard the helicopter and flown to Shannon Airport as weather conditions at the helipad at University Hospital were not suitable for safe operations.

At Shannon, National Ambulance Service paramedics were waiting for the helicopter when it landed at 2.45am.

The injured man taken to UHL for treatment. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.