LONG RANGE HELICOPTER MISSION FROM STORNOWAY

Stornoway Coastguard rescue helicopter is on route to rescue a severely injured fisherman from a vessel 230 miles offshore.

Weather conditions today were strong winds of force 9 and occasionally up to Storm Force 10 and at , Stornoway Coastguard was contacted by the Spanish Coastguard to request help in evacuating a crewman on board the UK registered fishing vessel Mar Blanco.  The man had suffered severe head injuries in a fall and requires urgent hospital treatment.

Stornoway Coastguard rescue helicopter is on its way to the vessel, which is now heading towards Stornoway in order to bring the vessel into helicopter range by the time the aircraft can rendezvous later this afternoon.  A Spanish translator has helped to relay clear instructions to the fishing vessel for the operation because it will be necessary to undertake a high line transfer from the fishing vessel to the rescue helicopter.  Close coordination between the vessel and aircraft is essential during a high line transfer.

Initially safety cover for the helicopter was to be provided by the Coastguard surveillance aircraft but this had to turn back due to icing problems. The rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth will now provide this safety cover for the Coastguard rescue helicopter during the operation.  

The intention is to transfer the injured crewman to the Coastguard rescue helicopter and transfer him to hospital in Stornoway.

Stornoway Coastguard Watch Manager Murdo Macaulay said

“In this weather and at this range it is vital that the helicopter is able to rendezvous with the vessel and evacuate the injured crewman with as little delay as possible. This operation has required close co-operation by many different partners in the search and rescue framework.”



-Ends-
 Notes to Editors

  1. The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities.  Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector. www.seavisionuk.org

  1. Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch

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