Rescue launched as crew abandon ship

All 47 crew members of a Seattle-based fishing boat abandoned ship today after the vessel started sinking about 120 miles off the Alaskan coast.

Coast Guard Lt Eric Eggan said 26 people have been safely recovered from life rafts.

The 180ft Alaska Ranger started taking on water shortly before 3am today after losing control of its rudder.

A Coast Guard cutter and aircraft and the Alaska Ranger’s sister ship are taking part in the rescue.