Stricken fishing vessel being towed to safety after being struck by “phenomenal” waves By Jane Candlish December 10 2014, 11:29 am December 10 2014, 11:29 am Share Stricken fishing vessel being towed to safety after being struck by “phenomenal” waves Share via Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Messenger Linkedin Email Post link https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/426775/stricken-fishing-vessel-being-towed-to-safety-after-being-struck-by-phenomenal-waves/ Copy Link Stromness Lifeboat A fishing vessel which was struck by huge waves off Orkney has been rescued by a lifeboat crew. The O Genita got into difficulties at around 5.30am 20 miles north west of Westray. Waves of up to 36ft struck the UK-registered vessel, stoving in the wheelhouse windows and knocking out some of its equipment. The 16-strong Spanish crew was able to send a distress signal and Shetland Coastguard sent its Sumburgh helicopter and Stromness Lifeboat. A spokeswoman for Shetland Coastguard said the size of the waves was “phenomenal”. She said: “The sea conditions included waves of between 10 and 11 metres (32-36ft).” Stromness Lifeboat is towing the 108ft vessel to Pierowall and is expected to arrive after 11am.