Portland sea rescue: Fishermen rescued after boat capsizes

The men were recovered from their lift raft after fleeing the sinking fishing boat

Two fishermen have been rescued shortly before their boat sank in bad weather off Portland Bill on the Dorset coast.

A coastguard helicopter, RNLI lifeboat, coastguard rescue team and a Royal Navy warship were sent to the area after responding to a Mayday call.

The men were recovered from their lift raft by crew members from HMS Westminster and were transferred to Weymouth's RNLI lifeboat.

One of the men was airlifted to hospital and his injuries are unknown.

The second was taken to Weymouth Lifeboat Station.

The boat started sinking in bad weather off Portland Bill

The Royal Navy said HMS Westminster, a Type 23 frigate, covered five miles in 15 minutes to reach the vessel Ocean Echo in "heavy weather and confused seas".

"The crew were already in their life raft and were both assessed as walking wounded," it added.

"Unfortunately Ocean Echo was quickly lost which shows the speed at which incidents like this can escalate."

HMS Westminster reached the men shortly before their boat sank