Helicopter and lifeboat called in to rescue trawler

The Shannon Marine Rescue Helicopter and Fenit Lifeboat, in Kerry, were involved in the dramatic rescue of a trawler that went on fire off loop Head last night.

The helicopter was scrambled when a mayday call came in from the ship, which was 25 miles off Loop Head, saying that there was a fire in the trawler's engine room.

The boat, which had just been totally refurbished, is being towed into Fenit harbour in gale force conditions and is expected to arrive early this morning.

All three crew are safe.