A chief officer was yesterday evacuated by Armed Forces of Malta officers after he lost three fingers in an accident, the AFM said.

The accident took place while a crew change was taking place between the Iranian tanker Iran Susangird and the Maltese-flagged and owned utility vessel Maria-C off Grand Harbour at around 5.40pm. Initial reports said the personnel basket that the chief officer was in while being lowered onto the workboat hit the ship side and the officer lost three fingers.

The AFM immediately sent a helicopter to the tanker to airlift the officer to St Luke’s Hospital.