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Version 2 |
| High winds push trawler aground |
High winds push trawler aground |
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(40 minutes later)
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| A trawler with 14 crew on board has been driven aground in gale force winds and high seas on the Scottish island of St Kilda. | A trawler with 14 crew on board has been driven aground in gale force winds and high seas on the Scottish island of St Kilda. |
| The crew was unable to launch its life rafts due to the poor conditions. Those on board are due to be airlifted off by a coastguard helicopter. | The crew was unable to launch its life rafts due to the poor conditions. Those on board are due to be airlifted off by a coastguard helicopter. |
| The trawler, the Spinningdale, is said to be aground on rocks by steep cliffs. | The trawler, the Spinningdale, is said to be aground on rocks by steep cliffs. |
Lying 44 miles west of Benbecula, St Kilda is the most remote part of the British Isles. | St Kilda is the most remote part of the British Isles, lying 44 miles west of Benbecula. |
| Lifeboat crews and coastguard teams have also been alerted. Two other vessels are reported to be near the stricken trawler. | Lifeboat crews and coastguard teams have also been alerted. Two other vessels are reported to be near the stricken trawler. |
| A second helicopter, the RAF Sea King Rescue 137, has been scrambled and is on stand-by to assist in the rescue operation if required. | A second helicopter, the RAF Sea King Rescue 137, has been scrambled and is on stand-by to assist in the rescue operation if required. |
| Coastguards said removing the crewmen would not be easy in the treacherous conditions. | Coastguards said removing the crewmen would not be easy in the treacherous conditions. |
A spokeswoman said: "It's run aground and now it's taking on water. The crew are in the bridge with life jackets on." | Helicopter crews had to wait until first light before attempting the rescue. |
She added that there was no immediate danger to the crew. | James Rawlston, from Stornoway Coastguard, said: "The vessel is hard aground in village bay, just to the east of the pier on St Kilda. |
| "The trawler is taking on water, however the crew are in the bridge with life jackets on and we are in constant radio contact with them. |
| "They are in no immediate danger." |
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| Are you in the area? Do you know anyone who was on the trawler? You can send us your experiences using the form below: | Are you in the area? Do you know anyone who was on the trawler? You can send us your experiences using the form below: |
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