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Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland
# Coast Guard
'Challenging conditions' as crewman rescued by helicopter 180km off Mayo
The Russian crewman was described as needing ‘urgent medical attention’.
A CREWMEMBER ABOARD a Russian fishing vessel was airlifted to hospital early this morning after suffering a sudden illness.
Coast Guard helicopter R118 made the medical evacuation at 4.30am from the vessel around 180 miles north-west of Erris Head, Co Mayo.
The crewman, who is described as needing “urgent medical attention”, was transferred to Sligo University Hospital where he was admitted shortly before 6am.
Because of the distance involved, communication support known as Top Cover, was provided by a second Coast Guard helicopter, the Dublin based R116.
Both helicopters refuelled at Blacksod prior to transiting to the scene, and early morning conditions were described as challenging.
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