18/03/2009

'Sinking' Trawler Saved

A rescue helicopter from Dublin was tasked earlier today as part of a major air and sea rescue operation off the Co Down coast.

The alert began earlier today in the Irish Sea after a distress call was received from a sinking fishing trawler.

The alarm was raised off the coast near the fishing port of Kilkeel.

Although the incident began at about 10am on Monday, it took some time for help to reach the stricken vessel, which has three people on board.

However, by lunchtime, the situation was being reported as being "under control".

The Kilkeel lifeboat later travelled alongside the fishing vessel and helped to pump out water as it made its way to shore.

The Warrenpoint ferry and other fishing vessels which were standing by in the area weren't needed to aid the vessel's recovery.

Lifeboats were launched from both the fishing port of Kilkeel and from the Isle of Man and the helicopter was also scrambled from a Dublin base.

Initially it looked like the trawler - which was in trouble around 19 miles south east of Kilkeel - was ready to founder.

"The vessel is taking on water faster than her pumps can cope with," said a statement from Kilkeel lifeboat crew and reported on the BBC earlier this morning.

However, it is expected into port this afternoon after a successful rescue mission.

(BMcC/JM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 August 2013
Two Men Airlifted To Hospital In Separate Incidents
An 81-year-old man is on his way to Cork University Hospital after being gored by a bull, garda have said. He is being moved by the Coast Guard Helicopter from Drimoleague in west Cork following the attack.
18 September 2007
Cannabis Discovery Off Aran Islands
A quantity of drugs, with an estimated street value of between €1 million and €1.4 million has been recovered in the sea, off the Aran Islands. The discovery was made yesterday when an estimated total of 120kg of cannabis, contained in sealed packages, was caught up in the nets of an Irish fishing vessel, just off Galway bay.
11 April 2016
Three Fishermen Rescued In Co Cork
Three fishermen have been rescued from a sinking trawler in Co Cork. The men were recovered from the water at Kinsale Harbour after their vessel began sinking at around 6pm on Sunday. The Kinsale RNLI lifeboat attended the scene and rescued the Portuguese fishermen. The crew were left shaken, however no injuries were reported.
06 November 2008
Rescue Operation Launched After Fishing Vessel Blaze
Rescue workers were 'scrambled' this morning off the coast of Co Galway after receiving news of a fire on board a Dutch-registered fishing vessel.
08 August 2012
Trawler Arrested Off Cork Coast For Fishing Violations
A trawler has been detained 30 miles off the coast of Cork over alleged breaches of EU fishing regulations. The vessel - which is Irish-registered - was stopped by the Naval Service patrol ship, LE Ciara, off Ballycotton and inspected at 11.30pm on Tuesday evening. The trawler was then detained and escorted to Cobh, Co Cork by the LE Ciara.