Israeli air force rescues Ukrainian ship's crew

Ship in danger drifting in rough seas

An Israeli air force helicopter rescued the entire crew of a Ukrainian ship which was drifting in rough seas off the Israeli Mediterranean port of Ashdod.

An Israeli air force helicopter rescued the entire crew of a Ukrainian ship which was drifting in rough seas off the Israeli Mediterranean port of Ashdod.

All 12 crew members were winched up into a Sikorski CH-53 helicopter, an office of the defence forces spokesman said.

The Vladimir Vinto, a freighter, was later blown ashore on a beach, south of Ashdod.

The rescue was carried out by an air force commando unit which specializes in rescuing pilots who have bailed out, but is sometimes sent to extricate civilians who have got into difficulties while on mountain hikes or at sea.

The ship was sailing in ballast to Ashdod to pick up a cargo of fruit.