Lifeboat rescues ill man from racing yacht

A man is in hospital after a mayday call was issued by a racing yacht off the coast of Co Cork last night.

The 21-foot vessel was taking part in the UK Mini Fastnet Race, and had left Plymouth on Sunday.

However, one member of the two-man crew was taken ill and the vessel was also facing electrical and mechanical difficulties when the call for assistance was issued at 10.25pm last night.

Courtmacsherry Lifeboat was launched and reached the yacht about two miles east of Galley Head at 11.30pm.

The sick crewman was taken on board the lifeboat and the yacht was towed back to shore, arriving at Courtmacsherry at 12.50pm this morning.

A HSE ambulance was waiting at Pierhead and transferred the man to Cork University Hospital.