An injured crewman has been airlifted from a fishing boat off Kilkeel in Co Down.

The Dublin-based coastguard helicopter was dispatched to assist in the operation at around 5.30am this morning.

A wave knocked the crewman off his feet and into the winch of the boat.

It is understood the crew member had received head injuries. He has been airlifted to Daisy Hill hospital in Newry.

The request was made by the Belfast Coastguard to their Dublin counterparts for helicopter assistance.