An investigation is under way after five crewmen were taken to hospital when a lifeboat plunged 30ft from a cargo boat during a safety drill. The men were taking part in an exercise on the cargo vessel St Rognvald in Lerwick Harbour, Shetland Isles.
They were in a lifeboat which was being hoisted out of the water when the accident happened at 1145 BST.
Shetland Coastguard said a recovery hook attached to one end of the lifeboat gave way, sending the crew plunging into the water.
The men were saved by a fast rescue boat from a nearby vessel and were then taken to hospital.
Two men were later released and the three others were detained in Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick for observation.
Glynn Young, watch manager at Shetland Coastguard, said: "The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) was informed of this serious incident and has indicated that it is sending two officers to investigate.
"The lifeboat will remain on the side of the vessel until the MAIB officers have inspected the vessel."
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version