AN RNLI lifebot has assisted after a trawlerman had an epileptic fit 10 miles off the coast of Yorkshire.

Whitby RNLI's all-weather lifeboat, the 'George and Mary Webb', was launched by the volunteer crew at 8.47am on the morning of Tuesday, April 18.

It quickly reached the trawler which was 10 miles east of Whitby.

The lifeboat crew stood by while the casualty was safely airlifted from the trawler before being transferred to James Cook hospital.

Whitby RNLI duty mechanic George Clemitshaw said: "It is believed the casualty had suffered an epileptic fit on board the trawler.

"Airlifting the patient to James Cook was the safest and quickest way to get the casualty the medical attention required.

"We stood by while this took place as there was some northerly wind. Well done to those on board who reacted quickly and the Coastguard for their fast response and recovery."

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said in a statement: "An unwell fisherman was airlifted from a fishing vessel 10 nautical miles off the coast of Whitby.

"UK Coastguard received a VHF radio call from the 18-metre fishing vessel, requesting medical assistance. The UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Humberside and the Whitby RNLI official Lifeboat were sent the location.

"Although visibility was good, the sea state was rough and there was a 25 knot wind.

"The casualty was winched on board and taken to James Cook Hospital, where the landing site was manned by the Staithes Coastguard and Skinningrove Coastguard Rescue Teams.

"We wish him a speedy recovery."

Once the casualty had been safely transferred to the Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 912, Whitby RNLI were stood down and returned to harbour, reaching port just before 10am.

Video footage: Maritime and Coastguard Agency