Seventeen people rescued after fishing boat runs aground

Seventeen people were airlifted to safety after a fishing boat ran aground off the coast of Orkney, according to the latest report updated from the scene. The incident occurred around 6:30am on Thursday, when the vessel hit rocks. The Stromness RNLI all-weather lifeboat was involved, alongside a Coastguard helicopter from Stornoway. The NorthLink ferry MV Hamnavoe also responded, launching its fast rescue boat. The helicopter winched the crew to safety and flew them to Kirkwall Airport, where the coastguard said they were safe and well. Meanwhile, an emergency towing vessel is monitoring the 35-metre fishing vessel, which remains firmly aground.