Swanland: One Body Recovered, Two Rescued, Five Still Missing After Vessel Sinks In Irish Sea

One Dead, Five Missing, Two Rescued After Vessel Sinks In Irish Sea

The coastguard has confirmed that one body has been recovered after a cargo vessel sank in the Irish Sea.

Earlier, two seamen were rescued from the water. Five remain missing.

The Swanland, which was carrying a cargo of limestone, placed a call to the coastguard in Holyhead in the early hours of Sunday morning reporting that it was taking on water after the hull was damaged in bad weather.

Following the mayday call, several vessels responded. Helicopters from RAF Valley in north Wales and the Dublin coastguard were also dispatched.

The vessel is believed to have sunk 20 miles off the Llyn peninsula.

Two men were found in the water and taken to RAF Valley in Anglesey.

"I haven't got much information on their condition but I have heard that they are okay," said a rescue spokesperson.

The search continues for the five remaining crew, however, the rescue is being hampered by rough seas and high winds.

According to Jo Groenenberg of the Holyhead coastguard, winds reached gale force eight overnight.

"Sea temperature were about 14 degrees," she told Sky News.

"It was also very dark. The coastguard will look at conditions and life expectancy, but at the moment there are carrying on with the search."

Prince William is stationed at RAF Valley, though it is not known whether he is involved in the rescue.

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