A Pembrokeshire RNLI crew was tasked to assist with a medical evacuation from a NATO warship this morning.

Members of Angle RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat were requested to launch at 8.04 am this morning (October 18) to assist in the medical evacuation of a crew member with suspected spinal injuries onboard a 143 meter NATO frigate approximately 25 miles west of St Ann’s Head.

The lifeboat launched shortly after and began making best speed to the vessel should they be required to board and offer medical assistance. Once on scene, the vessel confirmed that the ship’s medical team and onboard doctor were treating the casualty and that the best method of evacuation would be by helicopter.

Coastguard Rescue helicopter R187 from St Athan had been scrambled, but with a 40 minute ETA it was decided to begin escorting the frigate into St Brides Bay where conditions would be more favourable for the helicopter to land on her flight deck.

Once north of Skomer Island and with the helicopter now on scene and safely down on the flight deck, their paramedic began to assess and evacuate the casualty while the lifeboat stood by.

Not long after, the casualty was safety onboard the helicopter and en route to hospital. With no further assistance required, the lifeboat was stood down to return to station where she was refuelled and readied for further service by midday.