A "seriously ill" man was airlifted to hospital from a vessel in the English Channel.

The coastguard's search and rescue helicopter was called to the medical incident near Dover yesterday evening at about 6pm.

It is understood the incident was not related to small boat crossings.

A coastguard spokesperson said: "The search and rescue helicopter from Lydd was sent to evacuate a seriously ill crew member from a vessel in the English Channel at about 6pm yesterday.

"The casualty was transported to William Harvey Hospital for onward care."

It has not been confirmed what type of vessel crews were called to.

Details of the medical incident have also not been revealed.