Newquay RNLI volunteers were called out to assist a fisherman who had been taken unwell onboard a commercial fishing vessel on Thursday.

The charity’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched in good visibility with a wind force seven near gale shortly after 1pm.

It was predicted that the vessel was one hour away from Newquay Lifeboat Station when the duty launch authority received the request from Falmouth Coastguard. 

The fisherman was unwell with an ear infection but was conscious. 

The crew of the fishing boat had sought advice from a doctor who said the casualty should come ashore and seek treatment at a hospital within six hours due to experiencing dizziness.

Arriving on scene at 1.35pm, it was confirmed that the casualty had fallen unconscious, and Falmouth Coastguard had immediately tasked their Rescue 924 helicopter to attend, airlift the casualty and take him to hospital.

Newquay Lifeboat crew were tasked to standby as a precaution while Rescue 924 helicopter crew winched the casualty into the safety of the helicopter.

Once the casualty was safely on his way to hospital, Newquay lifeboat volunteers were stood down and arrived back at Newquay harbour at 2.23pm.

A Newquay RNLI spokesperson added: “All volunteers from Newquay RNLI wish the fisherman a speedy recovery.”