Eleven Spanish fishermen had to be rescued off the coast of West Cork today after their vessel lost power and began taking water on board in the middle of the ocean.
According to the Irish Coast Guard, the terrifying incident occurred this morning at around 10:16 am, leading the captain of the ship, 'Piedras,’ issuing a distress call.
At the time of the incident, the fishermen were 64 miles southeast of Cape Mizen, with eleven on board.
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After having to abandon the boat, all the crew members were saved "in good condition" by a British fishing vessel that was in the area, 'the Armaven One'.
Valentia Coast Guard coordinated an air and sea rescue, and as soon as the alert was sent, the Shannon-based Coast Guard helicopter R115 rushed to the scene.
Air Corps Maritime Patrol Aircraft and the LÉ Samuel Beckett also aided in the operation while a second Coast Guard helicopter R116 was put on standby at Cork airport.
The ship, which has since sunk, was built in 1976, and sails under the UK flag - but has a Spanish owner.
According to information from a vessel finder ship tracking website, they left Marin - in Galicia, Spain - on May 16 at around 9:00 am.
The Irish Coastguard later confirmed that after a successful rescue mission, the crew was en route to Castletownbere in Cork.
LÉ Samuel Beckett remained on scene to monitor the situation and the Piedras have now sunk.
The Irish Coastguard confirmed: ”The FV was reported to have sunk at the location where difficulty was first reported.
“The crew is safely onboard another vessel proceeding to Casteltownbere.
“Thanks to CG Helo crews- 115 &116, & Defence Force colleagues including LE Samuel Beckett, on the scene in a monitoring role.”
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