UPDATED: A second lifeboat has been forced to go to the aid of a stricken fishing vessel off the coast of Co Donegal this evening.
The lifeboat was dispatched to waters off Fanad
The vessel, the Mary Ellen, with a crew of five on board, lost power off Fanad Head.
Its crew made an emergency call to which was picked up by the Malin Head coastguard radio station.
Members of the Lough Swilly Lifeboat, who were taking part in an annual commemoration service for the stricken Saldanha off Portsalon, were dispatched to the ailing vessel.
However a call had to be made to the Portrush All Weather lifeboat after the tow-rope from the Lough Swilly All Weather lifeboat continued to snap in heavy seas.
Both boats are now trying to escort the fishing vessel back to the shelter of Lough Swilly as force 6 gales are forecast for this evening.
A spokesman for Malin Head coastguard radio told Donegal Daily that no injuries have been reported.
“There are no reports of any injuries at this time. Sea conditions were quite treacherous this afternoon.
“The tow-rope continued to snap and the assistance of the Portrush lifeboat was called for. The forecast is for force 6 gales so we are trying to get the fishing boat back to the shelter of Lough Swilly,” said a spokesman.
The rescue 118 helicopter has also been dispatched to the scene from Sligo in case the crewmen need to be lifted of the boat.
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