A major rescue operation took place off the Northumberland, UK, coast on Sunday after two crew members were reported overboard from a fishing vessel. This, according to UK media outlet Chronicle Live.
The UK-registered boat Fortitude sent a mayday call shortly before 4.20 pm. The vessel was about 14 miles off Newbiggin. Emergency teams were sent at once. One person was later taken to the hospital, ambulance services said.
Crew conditions remain unclear.
Mayday call triggers a significant response
HM Coastguard said it received the mayday call just before 4.20 pm. It launched a multi-agency response. A rescue helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft were sent. RNLI lifeboats from Amble and Tynemouth also responded. Two nearby vessels answered mayday relay calls.
Blyth Coastguard Rescue Team, Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service attended. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.
One person was taken to the hospital
North East Ambulance Service said it was called at 6.35 pm. It sent several ambulance crews and specialist teams to Blyth Harbour. One patient was taken to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital.
RNLI crews said they faced waves of about four metres. Lifeboats spent around five hours at sea before returning at 10.30 pm. MAIB has begun a preliminary investigation.