CREW MEMBERS RESCUED FROM STANDBY VESSEL IN THE NORTH SEA

A number of crewmen have been winched to safety from a standby vessel in the North Sea this morning, after they broadcast a mayday saying they were taking on water.

Aberdeen Coastguard was contacted just before 4.30am by a nearby installation who heard the faint mayday on Channel 16.

The vessel in difficulty sustained significant damage and became disabled while on standby vessel duties 120 miles Northeast of Aberdeen.

Six other vessels, and three helicopters were sent to the scene. This includes the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter from Sumburgh, an RAF helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth and Bond 1 – the BP Jigsaw helicopter.

At the time of the incident winds in the area were reported to be Southeasterly 60-75 knots with 6.5 metre seas.