Urgent Helicopter Rescue Off the Coast of Lanzarote
The captain of a fishing vessel has been airlifted to Lanzarote in an emergency medical evacuation after falling seriously ill while at sea.
According to Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service (Salvamento Marítimo), the incident occurred on Sunday, 12 July 2026, when the Radio Medical Centre contacted rescue coordinators in Las Palmas requesting an urgent evacuation of the captain of the fishing boat Layuno Zallo.
At the time of the emergency, the vessel was approximately 120 nautical miles off the coast of Lanzarote, making a rapid helicopter response essential.
Rescue teams immediately deployed the Helimer 205 rescue helicopter, which flew to the vessel, safely winched the patient aboard, and transported him to Arrecife.
An ambulance was waiting on the ground to transfer the captain to Dr. José Molina Orosa University Hospital for further medical treatment.
Maritime medical evacuations such as this are among the most challenging rescue operations carried out in the Canary Islands. Crews often have to reach vessels located many miles offshore, where rough seas, changing weather conditions and limited access can make every minute count.
The operation highlights the vital role played by Salvamento Marítimo, whose rescue teams remain on standby around the clock to respond to emergencies affecting fishermen, sailors and other vessels operating in the waters surrounding Lanzarote and the wider Canary Islands.
The condition of the captain has not yet been released.
