Fishing boatcrew saved as storm lashes south

TRAGEDY was averted off the coast of Cork last night after a fishing boat started taking on water in the midst of heavy seas and force eight gales.

Due to the very difficult weather conditions, two lifeboats and the Waterford Coast Guard rescue helicopter took just over an hour to reach the crew before it could be escorted back to port.

The fishing vessel, with three people on board, got into difficulty about 30km off the coast between Ballycotton and Youghal.