Injured fishermen airlifted by Coastguard rescue helicopter

London, 6 April/GNN/ -- MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (Duty 3) issued by The Government News Network on 6 April 2008 Stornoway Coastguard has coordinated the airlift of two injured cre

Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 100 was scrambled to the first incident, 85
nautical miles North West of the Butt of Lewis, at 0730 on Sunday morning
after receiving a call from Bremen Coastguard requesting the evacuation of
a 37 year old crewman from the German fishing vessel Dirk Dirk. The crewman
had suffered a broken leg from a falling ice block.

At about 1400 this afternoon another call from Bremen Coastguard advised that
there was a further evacuation required after another crewman had suffered
a broken foot. Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 100 went back to the vessel and
carried out another flawless evacuation. Both men are now recovering from
their injuries in the Western Isles Hospital, Stornoway.

The weather on both occasions was north to north-easterly 7 to gale 8 with
high seas and extremely poor visibility at times in heavy snow showers.

Duncan Mackay Watch Manager said,

"Both helicopter crews carried out a text book operation in testing wind
and sea conditions to evacuate both the injured crewmen."

For further information contact Duty Press Officer on 07917 555634
Or during office hours MCA Press Office on: (023) 8032 9401
Press releases and further information is available at www.mcga.gov.uk

Source: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

2008-04-06 12:39:17 0328795 PRNEWSWIRE