Fishermen rescued from sinking trawler

Four fishermen were today rescued from a sinking trawler in the Irish Sea.

The men were winched to safety off the stricken Arca, which is taking in water and listing in UK waters.

At about 8am this morning, Marine Coastguards in Ireland received a mayday call from its crew.

The 36-metre long steel hull vessel is about 30 miles south east of Carnsore Point, Co Wexford and 16 miles west of an area known as The Smalls, a group of islands off St Ann’s Head at the entrance of Milford Haven waterway, south west Wales.

A search and rescue helicopter from Waterford Airport was first to be sent to the scene and successfully lifted four men to safety.

Two crew members have remained on board the Belgium-registered trawler.

None of the fishermen sustained any injuries and, as yet, there is no risk to the lives of the men who stayed to deal with the problem.

It is believed the engine room has been flooded and the trawler has lost power.

The Dublin Bay search and rescue helicopter is currently at the scene, along with the RAF helicopter from Cornwall, a French trawler and two other vessels.

“There is a rescue helicopter on scene with a pump, we hope that the vessel can therefore be salvaged,” said Carl Evans, Milford Haven Coastguard Rescue Co-ordination Centre manager.

“The lifeboat from Angle, Milford Haven, has been launched and is en route to the trawler. We have also alerted our Coastguard tugs who will assist in this operation if required.”