Injured sailor rescued from Dublin Bay after mast snapped

A sailor has been rescued after suffering suspected spinal injuries when he was hit by a snapped mast.

The middle-aged man was hit across the back as he and the crew of a 33-foot (10m) yacht took part in Sunday morning races on Dublin Bay.

Dun Laoghaire RNLI lifeboat said the Irish Coast Guard helicopter was called in but a rescue was complicated by collapsed rigging hanging over the side of the boat.

The accident happened at about 11am and the disabled yacht was located halfway between the West Pier and South Bull Way.

David Brannigan, Dun Laoghaire RNLI spokesman, said the conditions were breezy at the time but it is not known what caused the mast to snap.

“To minimise movement and prevent a worsening of the suspected injury, it was decided that the yacht would be taken in tow by the lifeboat to shore where a waiting ambulance transferred the casualty to hospital for full assessment and treatment,” he said.

None of the other crew were injured in the accident.

PA