A fisherman has died following a severe weather incident when two crew members were swept overboard from a Scottish fishing vessel off the Northumberland coast.
The Coastguard received a mayday call from the Fortitude BF11 boat around 4.20pm on Sunday after the two crew members went overboard.
The vessel, identified as the Fortitude FV11 and registered in Banff, Aberdeenshire, was operating 14 miles off the coast near Newbiggin when the incident occurred.
Despite a rescue operation involving a Coastguard helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, lifeboats and assistance from other nearby vessels, Northumbria Police have now confirmed a man has died.
Severe weather, including gale force winds and a 16ft swell, complicated rescue efforts.
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The Amble RNLI spokesperson confirmed the involvement of other vessels in the recovery, adding: “Once they arrived on scene two other fishing vessels had came to help after hearing the mayday relay broadcast over the VHF radio and two of the fishing vessels had recovered the two casualties between them.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson told STV News: “His next of kin have been informed. There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and a report has been prepared for the coroner. As is standard practice with incidents of this nature, we continue to support the Marine Accident Investigation Branch with their enquiries.”
The condition of the second crewman involved in the incident remains undisclosed.
