Crew Rescued After Donegal Trawler Sinks in Rockall Vicinity

 Jun 21, 2024

A Donegal trawler, the Sainte Catherine Laboure, sank overnight near the Rockall Bank off the Scottish Outer Hebrides.

The 24-metre vessel, owned by a MCD Trawling Ltd from Greencastle, was fishing for haddock when it went down in the late hours of Thursday night, 20 June 2024.

Crew Rescued

The crew’s ordeal began when their emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) was activated, prompting a swift rescue mission coordinated by the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Ireland. Fortunately, the crew was safely rescued by the Scottish fishing vessel Good Hope.

Rescue Mission

The Good Hope, upon receiving the distress signal, quickly reached the scene and recovered the crew. The Scottish Fishery Patrol Vessel JURA, which was also in the vicinity, stayed alongside the stricken trawler until it finally sank.

Safe and Well

The skipper and crew are now en route to Ullapool aboard the Good Hope, expected to arrive on Saturday morning. All members of the crew are reported to be safe and well.

This incident highlights the risks faced by those in the fishing industry and the importance of swift, coordinated rescue efforts in ensuring the safety of seafarers.

Responding to an information request,  a spokesperson from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency stated:

“Just after 10.50pm on 20 June, HM Coastguard received an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) from a vessel with six people on board around 220 nautical miles west of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

“The Irish-registered fishing vessel was reported to be sinking and the six people on board had abandoned to the liferaft, taking the beacon and communications equipment with them. Five vessels in the immediate local area were sent to assist. All six crew were recovered safe and well to a vessel.

“The fishing vessel later sank and the vessel’s owners were informed. Counter Pollution was informed.”