A French fisherman with facial injuries was safely evacuated from a trawler by Penlee lifeboat volunteers on Tuesday evening.

The man, who had suffered the accidental injuries while at sea, was taken from the 70 foot French stern trawler Azur by the crew of the all weather lifeboat Ivan Ellen lifeboat, a mile south east of Newlyn at around 8.30pm.

An RNLI spokesperson said: "The lifeboat crew were accompanied by Andrew Munson, local French Consul and Penlee Lifeboat operations manager, who was able to help with communication, offering the injured fisherman reassurance and support in his own language on the short trip back to Newlyn Harbour.

"On arrival he was transferred to an awaiting ambulance and taken to West Cornwall Hospital, Penzance for immediate treatment.

"Andrew Munson accompanied the fisherman to the hospital, remained present during his treatment and assisted with translations. The injured man has since been released and awaits repatriation to his home country for further medical treatment."