Irish Coastguard embarks on one of longest range missions to date

The Irish Coastguard is en route to rescue an elderly man who has taken ill on a cruise ship off the Southwest coast of Ireland.

Last night, the coastguard was called to assist the man, when the ship - the MS Marina, which is travelling from the Canada to Cork - was 800 nautical miles southwest of Ireland.

This morning the coastguard helicopter took off from Shannon, and is expected to reach the vessel - some 330 nautical miles (611km) from the coast around lunchtime.

It is one of the longest range missions the coastguard has ever embarked on.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport acknowledged the help of the Irish Air Corps in the mission.

The man is to be brought to Cork University Hospital for treatment.

Operations Manager with the Irish Coastguard Declan Geoghegan said that the helicopter will have to stop at an oilrig to refuel.

"We lifted this morning at 10am we rendezvoused with the rig and we refuelled on board, and we are now on our way to rendezvous with the vessel," he said.

"We expect to rendezvous with the vessel at around 12.30/12.45 local time, take the casualty on board, reroute to the rig ,refuel and take the casualty to Cork University Hospital."