The Howth-based RNLI lifeboat has rescued four men whose trawler sank this morning.
The four men were found on rocks near Howth at around 4.30am. They were brought to hospital, but none are believed to be seriously hurt.
The Wexford-based Crystal Seais understood to have sunk after hitting rocks near Balscadden Bay, east of Howth Harbour.
A member of the public on land raised the alarm, and the trawler's own electronic position indicator beacon also activated.
Howth RNLI manager Rupert Jeffares said the lifeboat was launched by on-call volunteers within 10 minutes. Members of Howth Coastguard were also at the scene.
All four were brought back to Howth at 4.45am.
"They were cold and wet, but they are all safe and well," said Mr Jeffares. "It would appear that the trawler hit a rock on the way back in to Howth from fishing and must have gone. It must have gone down quickly."
