The British Royal Navy submarine from which the Strandhill, Co Sligo-based Coast Guard helicopter airllifted an injured sailor to Sligo Univeristy Hospital yesterday morning was located about 55 miles off the west of Achill, Co Mayo.
The sailor had injured his legs.
Top-cover for the airlift was provided by the Shannon-based Coast Guard helicopter.
It’s understood the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency asked for the help from the Irish Coast Guard.
A spokeswoman for the Royal Navy is reported as saying it would be inappropriate to comment further as for security reasons the navy did not discuss submarine operations.
In 2011, the crew of the Shannon-based helicopter airlifted a crew member from a British nuclear submarine off the Irish coast.
