The boat started taking water north west of Lands End

THE crew of a Newlyn-registered netter have been rescued after the vessel started taking water.

AT 3.30 yesterday afternoon, Falmouth Coastguard were contacted by by the crew of the Girl Patricia, an 18 metre Newlyn registered netter with four crew aboard.

The crew reported that they were taking water 28nm nor' north west of Lands End and the weather on scene was clear with easterly winds with good visibility.

A rescue helicopter from the Royal Naval Air Station at Culdrose was requested to launch to the scene, whilst Falmouth Coastguard rebroadcast a mayday signal into the area in the hope that other vessels which had been close to the sinking vessel would respond and assist.

Various vessels did respond and a number of them began making their way towards the stricken trawler.

Sennen Cove all weather lifeboat was also requested to launch.

By 3.50 pm the crew reported that the fish room on board was half full of water and that the engine room was awash. Twenty minutes later, the rescue helicopter 193 was on scene and immediately began winching all four crew on board.

They were flown directly to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Truro suffering from cold and shock, although no other injuries have been reported.

The vessel sank shortly afterwards.

Mick Quinn, watch manager at Falmouth Coastguard commented: "Fortunately all four men have been rescued and our thanks are due to

the helicopter crew for responding so promptly.

"The Trinity House vessel Patricia is also proceeding to the scene

and the UK Hydrographer will be informed as to the wreck site.

"Some debris has been recovered and we are monitoring the extent of any pollution that may arise.

"The vessel's emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) has also been retrieved from the water when it began to emit signals after floating free from the wreck.

"We have also informed the Marine Accident Investigation Branch of the sinking."

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