Stricken trawler being towed to safety in Kilkeel

A fishing trawler which got into difficulty in the Irish Sea is being escorted into Kilkeel Harbour in Co Down this afternoon.

The local trawler issued a Mayday call when it began taking on more water than its pumps could cope with.

Other vessels in the area responded to the alert and a stronger pump was passed to the crew.

The assistance of a rescue helicopter from Dublin was also requested.

Nobody was injured and the trawler was expected back in Kilkeel at around lunchtime.