Government Learjet sent on first ‘top-cover’ mission

THE Government Learjet was deployed in its first “top-cover” role yesterday when it was sent to assist the Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard (ICG) helicopter in a medical evacuation (medivac) mission off the Clare coast.

The Shannon ICG chopper, Rescue 1-1-5, was scrambled at around 10.15am after a crew member on board a Dutch factory vessel was reported to have fallen ill about 135 nautical miles (250 kilometres) west of Loop Head in Co Clare.

The 40-year-old man complained of abdominal pains which were later diagnosed as suspected appendicitis. The captain raised the alarm and requested that the crewman be airlifted to hospital to receive medical attention.