Valentia RNLI volunteers launched their all-weather lifeboat this morning to assist a fisherman with suspected spinal injuries following a collision.
At 1.17 am the Valentia Coast Guard requested Valentia RNLI all-weather lifeboat to launch to an injured fisherman onboard a 37m fishing vessel. The vessel with nine people on board was involved in a collision with a 229m cargo ship, 37 miles North West of Valentia.
At the location, there was a four-metre swell with a south-west wind force three to four. The lifeboat crew members assessed the situation taking into consideration the condition of the fisherman and weather. It was decided the best and safest option was to escort the fishing vessel to Dingle Harbour. The crew then assisted the National Ambulance Service in immobilising and transferring the fisherman from the vessel to the ambulance. The fisherman was then taken to University Hospital Kerry for further medical attention. In total, the RNLI volunteer crew were at sea for seven hours.
Speaking following the call out, Valentia RNLI Coxswain Richard Quigley said: The fishing vessel made the right decision in calling for help to ensure the casualty received the proper medical treatment.