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Thursday, 3 March 2016

3 fishermen airlifted from beam trawler off the Lizard



UK Coastguard received a mayday broadcast just before 1pm yesterday (2nd February) from a fishing vessel that caught fire with five crew on board, approximately 37 nautical miles off Newlyn, Cornwall.

The fire, believed to have be in the engine room, was extinguished by the crew, but several members were reported to be suffering from smoke inhalation.

The Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Newquay and the Lizard RNLI lifeboat was sent to the fishing vessel. Three of the crew were winched off the fishing vessel onto the helicopter and transferred to hospital.

The fishing vessel, with the remaining crew, was able to make its own way to Newlyn, the Lizard RNLI lifeboat escorted the fishing vessel to ensure it arrived safely.

Steve Mann, UK Coastguard, said: "Fortunately the crew were able to extinguish the fire, they were also able to contact the Coastguard when they needed assistance. This is another example why it is so important to make sure that you have appropriate safety equipment on board and several means of contacting the Coastguard if the worst should happen. "