Two sailors winched to safety in fishing boat drama off Yorkshire coast

TWO sailors were winched to safety by an RAF helicopter today after a small fishing boat capsized and sank in the North Sea.

Coastguards said the 5.5m long vessel Taty sank off the East Yorkshire coast near Skipsea.

An RAF helicopter from nearby RAF Leconfield was called in after the alarm was raised at 11.40am, and rescued two men from the water.

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Humber Coastguard said it received 999 calls from members of the public reporting red flares had been sighted off the coast.

Another member of the public reported that he could see a vessel, possibly on fire and with people in the water.

The Sea King helicopter was on exercise nearby, the coastguard said.

It was joined at the scene by the Hornsea Independent Rescue Boat and local fishing Vessel Sophie Dawn, which was fishing nearby.

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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 persons in the water swiftly.

"This quick reaction allowed us to task rescue units quickly to the scene."

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