Lifejackets help save seven fishermen after boat sinks

Coastguard crews answered a Mayday call after the boat sank off the north-west Scottish coast.

The rescued crew of a fishing boat which sank off the north-west coast of Scotland were saved by their lifejackets, the Coastguard said.

Rescue crews received a Mayday call from the boat around 2.30pm on Saturday.

It got into difficulty three miles off the coast at Kinlochbervie in Sutherland.

The Coastguard said lifejackets had helped save the lives of the seven crew members.

A Coastguard helicopter, Lochinver lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Kinlochbervie and Durness were sent out.

The boat sank but a local vessel rescued the crew and took them to Kinlochbervie Harbour.

Three crew members were flown by helicopter to hospital in Inverness as they were thought to be suffering from hypothermia.

The remaining crew members were treated for the effects of the cold.

Scott Mackenzie, from HM Coastguard, said: “There is no doubt that the fact these crew members were wearing lifejackets went a considerable way to helping save their lives.”

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