Coastguard Helicopter evacuates casualty from cruise ship

A rescue operation involving the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Prestwick is underway North of Rathlin Island this evening (Thursday).

Coastguard Rescue 199 has been scrambled to assist the crew of cruise ship Anthem of the Seas in treating a casualty. The helicopter has been seen circling the cruise ship as it prepares to lower its medically trained winchman. Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum-class cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean International and the second ship of her class.

The Quantum class is the third-largest class of cruise ships behind MSC Cruises's Meraviglia class and Royal Caribbean International's Oasis-class by gross tonnage.

It is understood the casualty has been airlifted to Glasgow RI Hospital.