Helicopter rescues fishermen from sea

A father and son had to be winched to safety by an RAF helicopter yesterday after their small fishing boat capsized and sank in the North Sea.

The 5.5m vessel Taty sank off East Yorkshire near Skipsea. A helicopter from RAF Leconfield was called when the alarm was raised at 11.40am, and the men were pulled from the sea.

Humber Coastguard said it received 999 calls from members of the public reporting red flares off the coast. One person reported that he could see a vessel, possibly on fire and with people in the water.

The Sea King helicopter was on exercise near by, the coastguard said. It was joined at the scene by the Hornsea Independent Rescue Boat and a fishing vessel Sophie Dawn, which was in the area.

Humber Coastguard watch manager Drew Mahood said: "The quick reaction of the members of the public who called 999 and asked for the coastguard helped rescue the [sailors] swiftly."

The rescued men were taken to Hull Royal Infirmary for checks.