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| Skipper Alan Bolt and Filipino crew members safely ashore - photo courtesy of Niall Duffy. |
The Kairos’ five crew were recovered from the raft by the vessel Cu Na Mara and are on their way to Castletownbere in Ireland. Falmouth Coastguard coordinated the operation, which involved two Irish search and rescue helicopters, an RNLI lifeboat, several fishing local vessels and two nearby commercial ships. Jim Morrison, senior maritime operations officer for the UK Coastguard, said: “Thankfully all the crew were rescued. “Using the information from the distress alerts we were able to locate the fishing vessel’s last position quickly and deploy resources to the scene.” Banff councillor Michael Roy said the rescue was a reminder of the dangers faced by fishermen every day.
Video courtesy of STV News.
He said: “I’m just pleased on this occasion everything worked out well and everyone was rescued. But I’m sure the experience will stay with them for a long time. “It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of the sea. Every time these guys go to their work there are unknown factors which may affect their safety. “They’re extremely lucky that these rescue facilities are in place – it is a slight reassurance that they are.” Fellow Banff councillor John Cox added that he was pleased all the crew had made it to safety. He said: “A boat can be replaced, but a life can’t. “The fishing industry has been designated the most dangerous job there is, and we can only be thankful that everyone was recovered and is safe.” The 21m Kairos operates through the Westward Fishing Company. No one at its Fraserburgh office was available to comment yesterday. The crew raised the alarm around 11.45pm on Monday.