A fisherman suffering from internal bleeding was dramatically air lifted to safety last night, in a Royal Navy rescue, 200 miles off Scilly
A male crewmember aboard the Spanish fishing vessel ‘Abrela’ was flown to Tresliske hospital, following a mission consisting of two rescue helicopters from RNAS Culdrose who successfully lifted him from the deck of the vessel.
The ‘Abrela’ contacted Spanish coastguards at approximately 8:00pm (British time) who recommended an immediate air lift. As Falmouth Coastguard took control of the situation, two Royal Navy ‘Sea King’ helicopters were scrambled for a mission which would test their range. The distance from land was a concern as the helicopters only usually have a range of 250 miles (radius). This may have been one of the reasons why two helicopters were sent.
This type of rescue is not uncommon for Culdrose helicopter teams belonging to the 711 Search and Rescue squadron. Large Spanish fishing boats often use the waters around Scilly and Cornwall and therefore rescues are under the jurisdiction of the British services. The Search and Rescue Squadrons of the Royal Navy are notorious around Europe due to their daring rescues and wide ranging operations.