The man was receiving hospital treatment on Sunday afternoon after his yacht dismasted during a race
A sailor in Ireland has suffered suspected spinal injuries after being hit by the yacht’s mast.
The man had been taking part in a race in Dublin Bay on Sunday when his 33ft yacht’s mast snapped in strong winds.
A rescue operation was launched shortly after the incident at around 11am, involving the Dun Laoghaire RNLI lifeboat and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter.
Working together, rescue crews were able to find the disabled yacht midway between the West Pier and the South Bull Wall.
Speaking about the rescue, an RNLI spokesperson said: “The operation was complicated by the collapsed rigging handing over the side of the boat that prevented the crew from using the engine.
“The lifeboat crew were able to board the vessel to deliver first aid treatment and the winchman paramedic from the helicopter transferred on board to assess the casualty.”
In order to minimise movement and prevent worsening the sailor’s injuries, the yacht was towed to shore where a waiting ambulance transported the man to hospital for treatment on Sunday afternoon.
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