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THE CREW OF a stricken trawler off the coast of Cork were airlifted to safety last night after the vessel began to sink in rough seas.
A complex multi-agency rescue operation had been underway since Friday after the Ellie Adhamh lost power more than 100km off Ireland’s south-west coast.
An initial attempt by a tugboat to reach the ship was called off due to severe weather conditions.
Yesterday radio equipment was dropped to the ship by an Irish Coast Guard helicopter, enabling the crew to communicate with the Irish Naval Service’s LÉ George Bernard Shaw as it attempted to establish a tow.
Later pumping equipment was also supplied as the trawler was taking on water.
After initial attempts failed, the naval vessel started slowly towing the trawler back to Bantry Bay.
However, concerns grew last night as weather conditions continued to deteriorate, with poor visibility, fading light, six-metre-high waves and strong winds.
A decision was made to abandon ship after it began listing and taking on more water.
Life rafts were deployed but the Rescue 117 helicopter was able to airlift the seven-man crew to safety with support from Castletownbere RNLI.
Watch the above video here.
A Defence Forces spokesperson said the tow parted from LÉ George Bernard Shaw due to heavy sea and swell conditions soon after the winching operations were complete.
The naval vessel remained in the area to monitor and warn approaching traffic.
The owners were assessing options for recovering the trawler when it sank this morning in 80m of water more than two miles north of the Bull Rock.
The Irish Coast Guard said the rescued crew are in good spirits.
“In light of the prevailing conditions the evacuation proved to be extremely challenging and the successful outcome is testimony to the skill and professionalism of all involved,” a statement read.
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Hilary Mantels criticism of Kate is just – “jealousy” – she, Hilary is probably like the back of a bus gone wrong.
she is lillian.
But Hilary Mantel is such a wonderful writer, being the first woman ever to win the Booker prize twice, plus winning the Costa prize in 2012. I doubt she would be the jealous type.
In response to Lillian’s comment
Mantel’s comments were taken out of context by the Daily Mail of all publications. It was part of a larger lecture on the royal family and was largely sympathetic.
Shame on the journal for mindlessly repeating such sensationalized gossip and shame on Lillian and some of the commentators for stooping so low as to speculate on what Mantel looks like. She’s a great author and a great intellectual, why is it in any way important what she looks like? Get a grip.
Take a good look at Mantel it’s uncalled for what she said
@AnnMarie We don’t see your face are you ashamed of your own appearance –
don’t tell me to get a grip
That is so unfair, and mean of this woman. The duchess of cambridge is a lovely girl, and seems like a down to earth, normal person trying to fit in and find her way. Why do people have to be so mean and nasty. This woman should keep her opinions to herself. Just because she is a famous writer does not give her the right to judge anybody. I too think she is just jealous, why else would a person be so cruel to another human being. This is totally uncalled for.
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