Coastguard rescue people from two stricken vessels

Strong gale force winds whipped up the sea around the British coast forcing Coastguard to evacuate passengers and crew from two stricken vessels.

Stornoway Coastguard said it had coordinated the rescue of 14 crew members on board a UK Registered fishing vessel, Spinning Dale, which had run aground on rocks at St Kilda in the Irish Sea.

A RNLI lifeboat was also sent to the scene. Rescue operations were hampered by the very high winds gusting up to 50 knots above the cliffs.

“A RNLI lifeboat was also sent to the scene. Rescue operations were hampered by the very high winds gusting up to 50 knots above the cliffs.

Reports also said 23 people had been airlifted to safety last night after the Riverdance passenger ferry, which was listing dangerously, ran aground off Blackpool, north-west England.

Liverpool Coastguard received a distress call from the Riverdance after it was hit by a freak wave that caused the vessel to develop a 60 degree list after cargo shifted on board.

Meanwhile, blizzards are forecast to sweep across Scotland and snow is expected in other highland areas.