Rescuers brave dangerous seas to aid fishermen

TWO lifeboats had to come to the aid of a stricken fishing vessel which lost power off the coast of Donegal.

The vessel, the Mary Ellen, with five crew on board, lost power a mile-and-a-half off Fanad Head in the early afternoon yesterday in treacherous sea conditions.

Its crew made an emergency call which was picked up by the Malin Head coastguard radio station.

Members of the Lough Swilly Lifeboat from Buncrana were dispatched to the ailing vessel. The All Weather lifeboat from Portrush was also dispatched to the scene, as was the rescue 118 helicopter, which was scrambled from its base in Sligo.

A spokesman for Malin Head coastguard radio said no injuries had been reported in relation to the incident.