Three fishermen were rescued today as their trawler sank almost a mile off the Co Donegal coastline.
The crew of the Shaun Shaun was fishing for herring with a partner boat near Killybegs when it began to take on water.
The Coast Guard at Malin Head received a mayday call from the 50ft vessel, which was three-quarters of a mile south of Drumanoo Head, shortly after 4.45am.
But before any rescue boats were sent to the scene the three local fishermen were pulled onboard their sister vessel, the Rachel D.
A Coast Guard spokesman said both boats were fishing as a pair for herring in 30 metres of water when the Shaun Shaun started to take on water.
"It sank very quickly," he said.
It is believed the crew were shifting a catch from one boat to the other when the trawler got into difficulties.
PA