Two Ayrshire RNLI lifeboats were called into action yesterday to evacuate a crew member on board a tanker near Arran.

Arran and Troon RNLI lifeboats were requested to assist at an oil tanker off the coast of Arran, at Brodick Bay, for the person who had taken ill.

The incident happened yesterday afternoon around 5pm and involved the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter.

The condition of the crew member is not known at this time.

A spokesperson for the Troon RNLI lifeboat said: "At 4.53pm on Sunday, Troon lifeboat was tasked by Belfast Coastguard, along with Arran lifeboat, to assist with the medical evacuation of a crew member from a tanker at anchor in Brodick Bay.

"Troon RNLI all-weather lifeboat RNLB Jim Moffat was soon launched and headed to Brodick where they met with Arran inshore lifeboat Atlantic 85 Rachel Hedderwick.

"Two lifeboat crew from the all-weather lifeboat were put on board the tanker to assist the helicopter crew with the stretcher transfer.

"Once the casualty was safely winched on board the helicopter and heading to hospital, the lifeboats were stood down by Belfast Coastguard.

"The all-weather lifeboat returned to Troon where its was made ‘Ready for Service’ with the assistance of the shore crew.