Six crew rescued off Lands End after fishing vessel found stranded in "atrocious" conditions

Weather conditions were described as "atrocious", making the rescue extremely challenging. Credit: PA

Six crew have been rescued from a fishing vessel stranded in "atrocious" conditions off Lands End.

HM Coastguard was alerted to the incident at around 10pm on Tuesday 12 March.

A French fishing vessel, named La Fanette, suffered an engine failure and was struggling in the conditions created by Storm Gareth.

Storm-force winds and waves of up to 20ft made it "impossible" for rescue teams to establish a tow with the vessel.

Both Sennen Cove and Penlee RNLI were called to assist and the six crew on board the vessel were airlifted by Newquay Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.

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Speaking after the rescue, Captain Sharky Finn from Newquay Coastguard helicopter said:

He continued: "Needless to say, it was very challenging deck; it stretched the capabilities of both the crew and the aircraft."

The French vessel remains off Lands End and is being monitored by the Coastguard.