BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In Pictures: Stricken Riverdance

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Friday, 1 February 2008, 05:37 GMT

In Pictures: Stricken Riverdance

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The roll-on roll-off ferry Riverdance, which crosses the Irish Sea twice a day, was carrying trucks and trailers from Warrenpoint in County Down to Heysham in Lancashire.

A night-vision image of the Riverdance ferry

A night-vision image of the Riverdance ferry

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The vessel ran into trouble after it was hit by a freak wave. Helicopters from RAF Valley in Anglesey captured the stricken ship using night-vision camera equipment.

A night-vision image of Riverdance

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Three helicopters - one from the navy, one from the RAF and one from the coastguard - were sent to the scene, as well as RNLI lifeboats.

Night-vision image of people on board Riverdance

Night-vision image of people on board Riverdance

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There were 14 people airlifted to safety, but nine crew members remained behind.

Night-vision image of Riverdance

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At one point the troubled vessel was listing dangerously at a 60 degree angle.

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Related to this story:
Ferry runs aground at Blackpool (01 Feb 08 | Merseyside )
Air rescue for ferry travellers (31 Jan 08 | Merseyside )