Atlantic rower, Niall Iain Macdonald is receiving treatment in an American hospital after being “seriously injured” at sea.

His condition is described as “very stable.” He is getting X-rays after injuring his back from a bad fall onboard his seven-metre long boat. He also cut his head.

The US Coastguard said a rescue helicopter was on alert for the emergency. However, a bank of heavy fog miles out at sea prevent airlifting Niall Iain off.

The 87-foot-long Coast Guard cutter Sailfish steamed to his aid and located him in the restricted visibility just before midnight (5am UK time). The coastguard patrol vessel took Niall Iain on board and landed him ashore.

An US coastguard spokesman told Hebrides News he was stranded more than 50 nautical miles south of the nearest land at Shinnecock Inlet, New York.

The weather on scene at the time was approximately five foot high seas with 14 knot winds and restricted visibility due to fog.

A spokesman added: “Watchstanders at the First Coast Guard District command center in Boston received a call from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Falmouth, UK, that a person aboard the 24-foot ocean rowing craft Alliance Trust sustained serious injuries.

“A Coast Guard flight surgeon was consulted and recommended that the rower be medevaced due to his injuries.”

A rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, was put on alert, he said.

The row boat was abandoned and is drifting at sea.

The spokesman told Hebrides News: “He was taken to U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York where he was met by awaiting EMS (emergency medical) personnel.

“He was then taken to Bayonne Hospital in Bayonne, New Jersey.”

“Seriously injured” Atlantic rower in hospital 14/6/14

The crew of the US Coast Guard cutter Sailfish rescued Niall Iain.

Photo: Petty Officer 3rd Class Annie R. Berlin