Relief as trawler that was taking on water is brought to safety in Donegal

A fishing vessel which got into difficulty off the Donegal coast has been brought to safety.

The Scottish registered Silver Lining III issued a distress call after the boat began taking in water. 

Tory ferry Queen of Aran diverted in order to assist, with the rescue services also arriving on the scene. 

A spokesperson for Bunbeg Coast Guard outlined the sequence of events, saying: Bunbeg Coast Guard was tasked alongside Arranmore Lifeboat and the Dublin based Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116 on Sunday afternoon following a distress call from a vessel north of Bloody Foreland.

"The fishing vessel, which is believed to have been transiting through the area at the time began to take on water shortly before issuing the call for assistance. Search and Rescue (SAR) assets were immediately tasked by our colleagues at MRCC Malin Head who also broadcasted a mayday relay which was answered by the Queen of Aran (Tory Island Ferry) who diverted from her planned route to provide assistance."

"Our boat crew worked alongside our colleagues from the RNLI to pump water from the vessel as she was escorted to Magheroarty Harbour.

"This was our first tasking of the bank holiday weekend with our boat crew launching again on Monday evening to reports of two people cut off by the incoming tide at Irishcoole.

"Please remember, if you see someone in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think they are, dial 999/112 or use VHF CH16 and ask for the Coast Guard."