Six rescued after Irish fishing trawler sinks off coast of Scotland

Six people were rescued after an Irish fishing trawler sank off the coast of Scotland.

The UK Coastguard confirmed that it received a distress call just before 11pm on Thursday from a vessel around 220 nautical miles west of Barra, in the Outer Hebrides.

Five vessels in the immediate local area were sent to the signal and six crew members were recovered “safe and well”.

The vessel later sank.

The Coastguard said: “Just after 10.50pm on June 20, HM Coastguard received an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) from a vessel with six people on board around 220 nautical miles west of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

“The Irish-registered fishing vessel was reported to be sinking and the six people on board had abandoned to the liferaft, taking the beacon and communications equipment with them.

“Five vessels in the immediate local area were sent to assist. All six crew were recovered safe and well to a vessel.

“The fishing vessel later sank and the vessel’s owners were informed. Counter Pollution was informed.”