Crew rescued off grounded dredger

Pumps were brought to the scene by a lifeboat

A scallop dredger has run aground on a submerged reef off the coast of Mull.

Clyde coastguard said they were informed on Friday evening that Freedom did not seem to be holed but was taking in water through vents.

Three of the dredger's crew including the skipper, were picked up by another vessel, Trustful.

Work is underway to pump water from Freedom in Loch Scridain on the Ross of Mull in the south west of the island in the hope it can be refloated.

Pumps were brought to the scene by the Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat.

Tarik Yassin of the Clyde Coastguard said: "The Freedom was heading for home, when it appears to have hit a submerged reef, causing it to ground.

"At the time, we were concerned for the three crew's safety since one of them was reported to be in the water trying to sort out the grounding.

"However, I am pleased to report that they are all now safe and well.

"There are now people on scene attempting to pump the excess water off Freedom. The hope is that once they have managed to pump the water off, and keep it off, they can re-float it at high tide."