Eight people have been airlifted from a cargo ferry in trouble in the Irish Sea.
Lifeboats and two rescue helicopters responded to a mayday call from a ferry with 23 people on board eight miles west of Fleetwood in the Irish sea.
The ferry was going from Warrenpoint in Co Down to Heysham in the north of England.
The passengers and some crew members were rescued from the vessel, 'River Dance', and taken to Blackpool.
There are no reports of any injuries.
A further 11 crew members stayed on board to try to restart the engine and stabilise the vessel.
The crew reported that the cargo had shifted and the vessel has developed a 40 degree list. It is understood there are strong winds and high seas in the area.
