THE Ministry of Defence Marine Police were summoned to help a casualty with severe breathing difficulties on a house boat near Plymouth reach medical help.

The Devonport Naval Base unit were on duty in their patrol boat when the emergency services asked them to attend a man in distress on a boat on the River Lynher yesterday (Tuesday) evening.

Falmouth Coastguard was informed and assistance from the Plymouth Lifeboat was also requested.

The police boat Pegasus attended the house boat moored at Wearde Quay and the crew went on-board to speak to the casualty and his wife.

The male casualty was transferred to the police boat and taken to the MOD Police camber in the Naval Base so he could receive medical attention.

Paramedics boarded the police boat at the naval base and, following an assessment, he was taken by ambulance to Derriford Hospital. A police spokesman said: “We responded as requested and assisted the emergency services in a situation where it was deemed there was a threat to life. The action of the officers and use of Ministry of Defence resources were therefore, justified.’’