Rescue mission launched after 500-tonne fishing boat runs aground

The 40-metre long ship will be refloated on Wednesday morning when the tide rises.

Skye lifeboat rescuers save stricken 500-tonne fishing boat that ran aground off island RNLI Portree

A rescue effort has been launched after a 500-tonne ship ran aground off the Isle of Skye.

Crew members were evacuated from the boat by RNLI teams and other relief vessels after it hit rocks in the Kylerhea and Glenelg area.

Attempts to refloat the 40-metre long (113ft) boat will be made when high tide returns on Wednesday morning, rescuers said.

Crews from two other fishing vessels in the area were praised for their response in helping guide stricken colleagues to safety.

Kyle and Portree lifeboats alongside a HM Coastguard response squad were launched as part of the operation.

A statement from Kyle RNLI read: “With the tide failing the almost 500-tonne vessel was stuck fast and with high tide not until 7am on Wednesday morning the decision was made by UKCG to have the stricken vessels crew removed to safety and reassess in the morning

“Testament to the mariners code two ‘rival’ fish farm companies sent their vessels to help without hesitation, a big thank you to those involved.”

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