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18/03/2009
'Sinking' Trawler Heads For Port
A major air and sea rescue operation which began earlier today in the Irish Sea, after a distress call from a sinking fishing trawler, is now almost ended.
The alarm was raised off the Co Down coast near the port of Kilkeel, (pictured).
Although the incident began at about 10am on Monday, it took some time for help to reach the stricken vessel, which has three people on board.
However, by lunchtime, the situation was being reported as being "under control".
The Kilkeel lifeboat is now travelling alongside the fishing vessel and is helping to pump out water as it makes its way to shore.
The Warrenpoint ferry and other fishing vessels which were standing by in the area won't be needed to aid the vessel's recovery.
Lifeboats were launched from both the fishing port of Kilkeel and from the Isle of Man and a helicopter was also scrambled from a Dublin base.
Initially it looked like the trawler - which was in trouble around 19 miles south east of Kilkeel - was ready to founder.
"The vessel is taking on water faster than her pumps can cope with," said a statement from Kilkeel lifeboat crew and reported on the BBC earlier this morning.
However, it is expected into port this afternoon after a successful rescue mission.
(BMcC/JM)
The alarm was raised off the Co Down coast near the port of Kilkeel, (pictured).
Although the incident began at about 10am on Monday, it took some time for help to reach the stricken vessel, which has three people on board.
However, by lunchtime, the situation was being reported as being "under control".
The Kilkeel lifeboat is now travelling alongside the fishing vessel and is helping to pump out water as it makes its way to shore.
The Warrenpoint ferry and other fishing vessels which were standing by in the area won't be needed to aid the vessel's recovery.
Lifeboats were launched from both the fishing port of Kilkeel and from the Isle of Man and a helicopter was also scrambled from a Dublin base.
Initially it looked like the trawler - which was in trouble around 19 miles south east of Kilkeel - was ready to founder.
"The vessel is taking on water faster than her pumps can cope with," said a statement from Kilkeel lifeboat crew and reported on the BBC earlier this morning.
However, it is expected into port this afternoon after a successful rescue mission.
(BMcC/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
