Fishing boat sinks off coast of Shetland prompting coastguard rescue operation of crew

A fishing boat off the coast of Shetland has sunk after a collision with another boat.

Eight members of the crew were forced to abandon ship to a life-raft after a collision with another vessel, prompting a resulting in a Coastguard rescue operation.

The boat sank 45 nautical miles south-east of Shetland at around 12pm on Thursday.

HM Coastguard organised the rescue operation with the coastguard helicopter base in Sumburgh.

Rescue teams from Sumburgh and Lerwick were on hand to support with nearby vessels responding to the calls for help.

All crew were rescued and two were taken to hospital by the helicopter while the others were rescued on the nearby boats.

Max Rimington, joint rescue coordination centre (JRCC) commander with HM Coastguard, said: “The crew did the right thing by having an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon onboard which helped guide the response.

“We are so thankful everyone is accounted for and grateful to the crew, and the nearby vessels which responded, for helping us achieve a good outcome.”

HM Coastguard say The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has been informed.

The MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast Karen Adam sent her thoughts to those involved.

She said: “Hearing news that a Peterhead fishing boat has sunk off the South East coast of Shetland. What I hear, and I hope to be true, is that everyone has managed to safely evacuate.

“My thoughts go out to those involved and their concerned loved ones, as well as our emergency services.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers were made aware of a fishing vessel taking on water some 40 miles South and Southwest of Sumburgh, Shetland, close to Fair Isle around 2.10pm on Thursday, October 6.

“HM Coastguard rescued three men from the water and transported them by air to hospital in Shetland. The vessel sank.

“The remaining five crew members were taken aboard the sister vessel and are being conveyed to Peterhead.

“The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been notified.”