An Air Corps Casa maritime patrol aircraft was today involved in a rescue mission to evacuate a fisherman off the Cork coast.
The aircraft diverted from its daily maritime patrol to join in the rescue of an injured fisherman from a Spanish fishing vessel which as located about 100 miles off the south coast of Castletownbere in west Cork.
The plane provided a communications relay between the fishing vessel and officials.
The casualty was airlifted to a Coastguard helicopter and is currently en route to Cork.
READ MORE
The Air Corps operates two Casa CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft. These aircraft entered service in 1994 and operate seven days a week usually in the off shore maritime patrol arena.