The Marine Casualty Investigation Board is expected to conduct an inquiry into the sinking of a fishing vessel off the north Donegal coast today.
All six crew on board the 50-foot Amy Jane, a crab vessel, were rescued by the Irish Coast Guard’s Sligo-based Sikorsky helicopter after they issued a Mayday alert and took to liferafts.
Belfast Coast Guard and Malin Coast Guard in Donegal co-ordinated the rescue, after the vessel’s crew reported that they were taking in water at about 9.45 am local time some 13 miles north of Malin Head, Co Donegal today.
The six crew were wearing survival suits and carried an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), which they had activated, and a handheld VHF radio.
The RNLI lifeboats from Portrush, Co Antrim and Lough Swilly were also tasked to assist.
The six crew were flown to City of Derry hospital for precautionary medical checks.
North-west winds were force five to six at the time of the incident, with a moderate swell, according to Malin Coast Guard.
“Sea survival training which is undertaken by crew of fishing vessels and being properly equipped is a key factor in the rescue of these six men today,” Belfast Coast Guard watch manager Steve Carson said, welcoming the successful outcome.
