Lifeboat crews launched in the early hours of the morning to rescue a worker who had crushed his arm aboard a fishing boat.

Newhaven’s Severn class lifeboat set off at 1.46am on Sunday (February 25) in search of the trawler 19 miles off the coast.

It was suspected the man, one of five aboard the boat, had suffered a possible lower arm compound fracture due to crushing of the limb.

Lee Blacknell, coxswain on the lifeboat, said: “Our volunteer crew of seven launched into a slight sea state and northerly 10 knot wind.

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“The lifeboat arrived on scene and came alongside the fishing trawlers starboard side.

“Due to fog in Lydd, launch of the rescue helicopter was not possible. Visibility for us was good.

“We transferred the casualty fisherman to our foredeck where he received initial care. Despite his injury, he was in good spirits.”