The six-strong crew of a fishing vessel were saved by activating an EPIRB, when their boat sank this morning about 150 miles west of the Isles of Scilly.

Falmouth Coastguard received an alert from a 406MHz Electronic Positioning Radio Beacon (EPIRB), and immediately requested an Irish marine patrol aircraft as well as two rescue helicopters from the UK. A number of fishing and merchant vessels were also diverted to the scene.

The Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC) Front Commander was guided to two liferafts, by the Irish marine patrol aircraft, and rescued the six crew who had abandoned their sinking vessel, Discovery.

One of the rescue helicopters has air-lifted the six rescued crew from the Front Commander back to the UK. The six crew members are reported to be well: no injuries were sustained however one crewman is suffering slightly due to the cold.

Steve Huxley, Search and Rescue Communications Manager, Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre said:

Again the Electronic Positioning Radio Beacon (EPIRB) led to a good rescue. Today’s rescue operation relied on good co-operation from our colleagues in Ireland, Spain and at Kinloss. We are delighted with the outcome of this search and rescue operation.