A trawler has been escorted back to Kilkeel Harbour in Co Down after a rescue operation on the Irish Sea.
The lifeboat crew from Kilkeel, an Irish Coast Guard rescue helicopter and a salvage tug were all involved in the operation.
Kilkeel's RNLI lifeboat was launched at 10.16am this morning after Belfast Coastguard received a Mayday call from the Kilkeel-based Crystal Star.
The 33ft prawn-trawler was taking in water faster than its pump could cope with and was in danger of sinking.
Port St Mary lifeboat, from the Isle of Man, was also launched to join the rescue operation. A number of fishing and commercial vessels also made their way to the stricken vessel.
A pump from the salvage tug Intrepid B was winched onto the rescue helicopter and transferred the Crystal Star via Kilkeel Lifeboat, which arrived on scene at 10.52am. A lifeboat crew member also boarded the fishing vessel to assist with the pumping operation.
Kilkeel Lifeboat Operations Manager Roy Teggarty said this was an excellent example of teamwork between the RNLI and the Coast Guard helicopter crew.
He expressed thanks to the tugboat for providing an extra pump, which he said in the end made all the difference.
With the extra pump helping to stem the inflow of water, the Crystal Star was able to make its way back to the safety of Kilkeel Harbour shortly after 1pm, escorted by Kilkeel Lifeboat.
