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SIX fishermen from Lerwick were yesterday recovered after being saved in a dramatic rescue off Shetland at the weekend. The vessel, Quiet Waters, struck rocks and began taking water near Burra Isle early on Sunday.
Shetland Coastguard said the crew - which includes some foreign nationals - were airlifted off the vessel by helicopter about 90 minutes later. No-one was seriously hurt in the incident and the crew, who are being looked after by the Fishermen's Mission, are all safe and well.
There were gale force winds in the area at the time which may have contributed to the incident. The Quiet Waters was on its way to land fish and shelter from the winds when it hit a rocky outcrop. Skipper Ross Christie told BBC Scotland: "We went ashore, hit the rocks, grounded and started taking on water.So we called the coastguard - just a bit of misjudgement."
When the rescue helicopter arrived the boat was listing heavily to one side.The crew was airlifted to safety as water was already starting to cover part of the deck.
Kieran Murray, from Shetland Coastguard, said: "Once we arrived on scene there was very little light on the vessel so we had to illuminate the whole area.We could see the vessel leaning over on its port side, the back end of it actually under the water, and the guys at quite an angle, holding on to the side of the vessel." Attempts to tow the boat off the rocks will take place this week when the high winds die down.
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