News / Crew safe after boat went on fire
THE CREW of the Banff registered fishing boat Denarius has been airlifted to Shetland after the vessel went on fire, around 60 miles south east of Sumburgh.
The six men were taken to the Gilbert Bain Hospital for a check-up after landing at the Clickimin landing site at just before 6pm on Monday. They have since left hospital again.
Shetland Coastguard was alerted to the emergency when they received a transmission from a distress radio beacon, two hours earlier.
Unable to make contact with the Denarius, Shetland Coastguard tasked the search and rescue helicopter 102 to go to the vessel. The coastguard also issued a mayday broadcast to shipping in the vicinity.
Several vessels including the Maersk Responder responded to the mayday and offered assistance in the search. A Bond helicopter was also launched.
Shortly after arriving on scene, the coastguard helicopter winched the six crew (three Scottish and three foreign nationals) from a life raft.
The crew was described as uninjured, but walking wounded.
Shetland Coastguard watch manager David Robinson said: “The ability of the crew to activate their EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) in this incident was absolutely crucial as we were immediately passed information on their location, vessel name and shore contact which, in the absence of the ability to communicate directly with the vessel, meant that we were able to quickly send help to their position.
“We would like to thank the crew of the several vessels and helicopter that helped in locating the Denarius and providing on scene assistance.”
The 22 metre wooden vessel is currently still drifting, around 60 miles east of Orkney.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.