Belfast Coastguard rescue vessel

THE rescued crew of a fishing boat who radioed for help after the vessel started to take in water have been charged with being drunk.

Portavogie-basd boat the ‘Argent’ sent out a mayday distress message near Campbeltown around 2.30 am on Friday morning.

The Campbeltown RNLI lifeboat, the local Coastguard Rescue Team and a Navy rescue helicopter from Prestwick all rowed in to help.

Belfast Coastguard Watch Manager said: “Campbeltown Lifeboat was quick to arrive on scene and safely transferred all four fishermen from their stricken vessel, with no reported injuries.

“The fishing vessel remains aground and will be assessed at first light.”

Later, a spokeswoman for Belfast Coastguard said: “The crew were breathalysed, arrested and charged by police in Campbeltown.”