A Russian crewman requiring urgent medical attention has been airlifted to hospital in Sligo.

The early morning medical evacuation took place from a Russian fishing vessel, around 180 miles north-west of Erris Head in Co Mayo.

The crew member was airlifted by a Sligo-based Coast Guard helicopter at 4.30am, in an operation overseen by the Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centre in Malin Head.

A second Dublin-based helicopter provided communication support due to the distance involved.

The crewman was admitted to Sligo University Hospital shortly before 6am.