Emergency services / Two fishermen rescued after creel boat sinks off Skerries
THE CREW of a creel boat was reported to be ‘safe and well’ this morning (Friday) after their 11 metre vessel struck a submerged rock two miles west of Skerries and started taking on water.
Lerwick lifeboat launched at around 7am after the two fishermen on board the unnamed vessel had to abandon ship and took to the liferaft.
A nearby salmon vessel recovered the two crew from the liferaft and took them on board.
Shetland Coastguard said the vessel had already sunk when the lifeboat arrived at the scene 45 minutes after being launched.
The lifeboat then took the two crew on board and dropped them off at Symbister before returning to Lerwick.
The coastguard search and rescue helicopter was initially tasked but later stood down.
Lerwick lifeboat coxswain Stephen Manson said the small vessel was taking on water rapidly.
“This outcome of this sinking could have been much worse. With a liferaft on board their vessel, the crew did the right thing by contacting the coastguard and then taking to their liferaft.
“With cold sea temperatures right now, a liferaft was the best option and we’re grateful that a nearby vessel was soon able to pick them up. We’re pleased to have been able to safely land the casualties in Whalsay after their ordeal.”
Weather conditions were calm with a light easterly breeze.
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