A rescue operation is taking place some 350 miles off the Kerry coast tonight by US and UK aircraft.
They are rescuing an injured Burmese crew member on board Liberian cargo vessel "Anna Rickmers". He sustained spinal and head injuries last night when he fell from a height into the hold of the vessel.
The ship was some 600 miles west of Ireland when the Irish coast guard received the distress call. Because of the distance and the nature of the injury the UK coast guard decided this morning to send long range aircraft to the vessel.
Two US Pave-black hawk helicopters, a C130 refuelling airplane and an RAF Nimrod left the UK earlier today. They refuelled at Cork before heading up the coast and going towards vessel. They were due to reach the boat by 6pm.
The man is in a stable condition and is expected to be taken to hospital, possibly in Limerick, once he reaches Shannon
