The annual naval exercises off the south-west coast, code named "Broadsword", turned into a real-life drama yesterday when five crew members on board a blazing trawler had to be air-lifted to safety.
The Fiona Patricia sent out a Mayday message shortly after 2 p.m. and two of the naval vessels involved in the exercises, the LE Niamh and the LE Ciara, immediately responded.
As the vessels steamed towards the trawler, another Irish vessel, the Satumas, picked up the five members of the trawler's crew.
The Shannon-based rescue helicopter later brought them to Bantry Hospital for routine observation. It is understood some were suffering from smoke inhalation.
READ MORE
This was, a Naval Service spokesman said, an example of what being prepared is all about.