Twelve divers rescued from sinking boat

Twelve divers have been rescued from the British coast after their boat took in water.

Swansea Coastguard issued a Pan broadcast to shipping in the area for assistance to rescue the divers and the skipper of the dive vessel Our Unity.

The skipper sent an emergency call at 4.40pm when the vessel starting to take on water north-east of the island of Lundy.

The RAF rescue helicopter from Chivenor was scrambled along with the Appledore all-weather lifeboat and Lundy Coastguard Rescue Team.

Three dive vessels in the area, Compass Rose, Neptune and Jessica Hetty, helped rescue the 12 divers from the water.

The RAF helicopter winched a pump down to Our Unity via Compass Rose.

The vessel was then escorted by the Appledore lifeboat towards Ilfracombe Harbour, where Ilfracombe lifeboat took over to escort Our Unity into harbour.