Thirteen fishermen rescued off Cork coast

The 13-man crew of a fishing vessel in difficulties off the Cork coast has been airlifted to safety by a British rescue helicopter…

The 13-man crew of a fishing vessel in difficulties off the Cork coast has been airlifted to safety by a British rescue helicopter.

A Royal Navy Sea King from a base in Cornwall is taking the crew to an airbase in Cork.

The Spanish and African crew of the UK-registered vessel, the 38 metre long Pembroke were all safe, said a Falmouth coastguard spokesman.

The rescue operation began earlier today when the Pembroke lost her rudder and began taking in water 180 miles west of the Isles of Scilly.

Sea conditions were rough and there was a 30-knot wind blowing.

The two helicopters refuelled on the Isles of Scilly before heading to the Pembroke, which had two other fishing craft standing by her.

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