The Royal Navy fishery protection vessel HMS Mersey went to the assistance of the Irish Trawler Tit Bonhomme after a crew member suffered a head injury while trawling off Lands End.

HMS Mersey was conducting fishery protection operations in the vicinity of the vessel 100 miles west of Lands End when she was summoned to the incident .

She raced to the scene and immediately despatched two of her trained first aid team to help the skipper of the trawler treat the casualty. Led by Petty Officer Jason Carvil, the medical team stabilised the sailor and assessed he was in need of specialist treatment.

HMS Mersey, equipped with a comprehensive communications suite, contacted Falmouth Coastguard Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre and passed all the details of the medical emergency. The coastguard initiated an air rescue and a Royal Navy Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Cornwall, was scrambled.

With HMS Mersey's first aid team tending to the casualty, the helicopter closed on the two vessels and as the sun set the casualty was air-lifted by the Royal Navy helicopter and rushed for medical attention ashore.

Lieutenant Luke Hayashi, HMS Mersey's executive officer (second in command) said: "The Royal Navy's Fishery Protection Squadron is always ready to assist any fishing vessel in need of assistance. Although our primary duties require us to board and inspect Fishing Vessels we are all seamen and have a long tradition of helping fellow seafarers where possible."