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Version 3 |
High winds push trawler aground |
Crew rescued from stricken boat |
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(20 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. | The crew of a trawler that was driven aground in gale force winds and high seas on the Scottish island of St Kilda have been winched to safety. |
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 14 had been unable to launch life rafts due to the poor conditions. All those on board were airlifted off by Stornoway Coastguard helicopter. |
The trawler, the Spinningdale, is said to be aground on rocks by steep cliffs. | The trawler, the Spinningdale, ran aground on rocks by steep cliffs. |
| St Kilda is the most remote part of the British Isles, lying 44 miles west of Benbecula. | 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 were also alerted. Two other vessels were 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, was scrambled and put on stand-by to assist in the rescue operation. |
Coastguards said removing the crewmen would not be easy in the treacherous conditions. | Coastguards said removing the crewmen was not easy in the treacherous conditions. |
| Helicopter crews had to wait until first light before attempting the rescue. | Helicopter crews had to wait until first light before attempting the rescue. |
James Rawlston, from Stornoway Coastguard, said: "The vessel is hard aground in village bay, just to the east of the pier on St Kilda. | They flew the boat's crew to Stornoway. |
"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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