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Dutch police are investigating a suspected stabbing on a container ship off the Western Isles.

 

A merchant seaman was allegedly knifed on the chest and arm and required an urgent airlift by a rescue helicopter.

 

The unnamed sailor - believed to be Russian - was winched off the MV Leah which was 82 miles off the north coast of Lewis.

 

The 6,000 deadweight tonne freighter was on voyage between Rotterdam and Iceland.

 

The 32-year-old casualty was landed at the helipad by the Western isles Hospital in Stornoway in the early hours of Saturday.

 

He received treatment in the accident and emergency department.

 

A spokesman for Stornoway Coastguard said: “We received a request of medical advice and subsequent airlift from the vessel, Leah.

 

“A crew member was injured following an altercation with another crew member onboard.”

 

“He sustained injuries we believe were stab wounds.

 

“Stornoway coastguard helicopter winched him off the vessel and took him to the Stornoway hospital.”

 

The spokesman added: “At the time, the vessel was in international waters.

“Dutch marine police have been in touch with us and the vessel is heading to Iceland.”

 

Police Scotland has also been made aware of the incident but the ship was outside UK waters and out of their jurisdiction.

 

The 100 metre long MV Leah has since docked in the port of Straumsvik, a few miles south of Reykjavik.

 

The ship operates a regular cargo run between Holland and Iceland.

 

 

MV Leah

Stabbed seaman airlifted off ship to hospital

8 May 2017