Eight crew members were rescued from a life raft in the North Sea after their boat collided with its sister vessel.
Peterhead-based fishing boats Guiding Star and Guiding Light were in waters 45 nautical miles south-east of the Shetland Isles.
The crew of Guiding Star had to be rescued by the crew of the Guiding Light, and by a Coastguard helicopter.
Video footage shows the crew in the water and being winched to safety into the helicopter.
The crew were in open waters in temperatures of around 11C.
In the video footage, waves can be seen crashing into the life raft, as other crewmen in the water hold on.
The fishing vessel was flooded after the collision with the crew abandoning ship before it sunk.
The boats are owned by Marrfish, which is based in Hull with offices in Peterhead and London.
Crew have been taken to Lerwick to be assessed by medics.
A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) confirmed a rescue had been launched.
He said: “Eight crew members have been rescued after a fishing vessel sank 45 nautical miles south-east of Shetland.
“The crew abandoned ship to a life-raft after a collision with another vessel.”
HM Coastguard coordinated the response after being alerted just after 12pm today.
A spokesman added: “The Coastguard helicopter based at Sumburgh was a key part of the rescue effort, with rescue teams from both Sumburgh and Lerwick waiting to support if required. Other vessels nearby also responded to calls for help.
“All crew members were accounted for after being picked up by assisting vessels and the Coastguard helicopter.”
Max Rimington, joint rescue coordination centre (JRCC) commander with HM Coastguard, said: “The crew did the right thing by having an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) onboard which helped guide the response.
“We are so thankful everyone is accounted for and grateful to the crew, and the nearby vessels which responded, for helping us achieve a good outcome.”
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), MCA Counter Pollution and Salvage, the Receiver of Wreck and Northern Lighthouse Board have been informed.
Investigation launched
A spokeswoman for the MAIB said: “The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has been notified of the collision between the UK registered fishing vessels Guiding Light and Guiding Star off Sumburgh Head, Shetland.
“The collision resulted in the flooding and sinking of the Guiding Star, and the rescue of its eight crew.
“The MAIB has commenced an investigation and a team of inspectors have deployed and will begin gathering evidence.
“The purpose of the MAIB Investigation is to improve safety and prevent recurrence.”
Marrfish has been contacted to comment.
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