Fishermen rescued after ship runs aground off Cape Breton

SYDNEY, N.S. -- Three fishermen have been rescued after their boat ran aground off the east coast of Cape Breton.

Navy Lt. Christine Hurov said the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Halifax got word of the distress call from a fishing vessel near Sydney late Thursday evening.

Hurov said the vessel was taking on water and the crew was preparing to abandon ship.

The rescue centre dispatched two aircraft from 14 Wing Greenwood and a lifeboat to the scene.

All three crew members were transferred by zodiac to the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Spray and are in good condition.

Hurov said a Cormorant helicopter and Hercules aircraft flew out, but did not play a role in the rescue.

She said the mission was complete by around 5:30 a.m. Friday.