Three people have been rescued from a fishing boat taking on water near Mull.
The coastguard along with a search and rescue helicopter, CalMac boat and lifeboats from Oban and Islay were called to the incident five nautical miles south-west of Iona.
Emergency services were first called at 8.15am this morning, and a broadcast was issued asking all nearby vessels to assist.
The coastguard sent a search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick to assist in the search, while CalMac’s MV Loch Buie crew which runs from Fionnphort to Iona was also sent.
The ferry operator suspended its Fionnphort to Iona service to support the search.
A spokesperson for the coastguard said three people had been safely rescued and were being taken to Oban.
A spokesman for Oban RNLI said: “When Oban lifeboat arrived on scene at 10am, the CalMac ferry Loch Buie had established a tow to the casualty vessel which appeared to be listing heavily to starboard.
“It turned out that the vessel had been aground and had taken a large wave onboard which had filled the hold.
“The crew of the fishing vessel had prepared their life raft, which was trailing behind their boat ready, if there was a need to abandon the vessel.
“In heavy seas, the volunteer crew made the decision to transfer a salvage pump to the casualty vessel to assist with the pumping out of as much water as possible from below deck.
“By 11am the crew of the fishing vessel were confident that most of the water had been cleared but there was still a list to starboard due to the movement of the catch and fishing gear.”
‘ Thanks to CalMac, the Loch Buie, Islay lifeboat and all vessels’
With no propulsion or steering, the decision was made to tow the boat to the nearest safe and suitable port.
The RNLI spokesman continued: “At this point Islay lifeboat took over the tow to Oban with Oban lifeboat closely monitoring alongside.
“Oban’s all-weather lifeboat then took over the tow at 12.45pm and Islay lifeboat stood down.
“The volunteer crew arrived back in Oban with the casualty and secured her alongside at 5pm.”
Adding: “Oban RNLI would like to extend their thanks to CalMac, the crew of the Loch Buie, Islay lifeboat and all vessels who responded to the mayday call.”
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