A 41-year-old Filippino sailor, on board a tanker off Malta, was airlifted to hospital after seriously injuring his hand on Wednesday, the Armed Forces of Malta said yesterday.

An army helicopter was dispatched after the AFM Rescue Co-Ordination Centre received a call from the Dubai Legend.

The aircraft was unable to land on the vessel due to the large amount of piping on deck. Thus, a rescuer was winched down to assist the man and winch both of them back onto the aircraft. The injured sailor was then taken to St Luke's Hospital for medical treatment.

The helicopter was piloted by Captain Michael Farrugia and the crew consisted of aircraft technician Bdr Carmelo Psaila and rescuer Lance Bdr Stanley Chircop.

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