Rescuers save six fishermen off Donegal

Six fishermen were rescued off Donegal this morning after their boat began to leak and got into difficulties.

Six fishermen were rescued off Donegal this morning after their boat began to leak and got into difficulties.

The 60-foot fishing trawler the Naomh Áinestarted taking water about six miles north of Tory Island early this morning.

The alarm was raised and the Lough Swilly lifeboat was launched at 6.20 a.m. It reached the stricken fishing boat just north of Horn Head and several rescuers were landed aboard bringing a pump.

The Sligo rescue helicopter was dispatched to Carraig Fin airport where it stayed on standby.

The Niamh Áinemade its way to Downing's Pier in Rosgoill where all six crew were said to be safe and unhurt.

Engineers are examining the boat. The source of the leak is not yet known, a Malin Head coastguard spokesman said in Co Donegal.

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Kilian Doyle

Kilian Doyle

Kilian Doyle is an Assistant News Editor at The Irish Times