Two fishermen saved after their boat sank

A major rescue operation was launched to save two fishermen after their vessel sank 18 miles off the North East coast.

The Coastguard was alerted by a family member who was concerned that a fishing boat, with two crew on board, just after 2pm on Sunday.

The boat has been fishing for prawns when it got into trouble after a large boulder was hauled onto the deck when nets were brought in.

The vessel was found 18miles off the North East coast and radio contact was made with the crew.

Shortly after, all contact with the fishing boat was lost and their emergency position locator beacon (EPIRB) was activated.

Humber Coastguard quickly tasked Tynemouth RNLI Lifeboat and a Coastguard search and rescue helicopter to the location.

The two crew, who were wearing life jackets, had managed to get into a life raft after the vessel capsized and sank.

The pair were then taken onboard Tynemouth Lifeboat and brought to shore where they were reported to be safe and well.

Bev Allen, duty controller for HM Coastguard said: “The crew were extremely lucky, we knew something was wrong as soon as we lost contact and the activation of their EPIRB confirmed it.

”We knew where the crew were, but if we hadn’t, Personal Location Beacons (PLBs) and EPIRBs are a vital tool in an emergency.

"Even more so if they are registered to a person and vessel. So help us to help you, and make sure you and your vessel are registered and up to date."