N.S. fishermen safe after British tanker rescue

Three fishermen are safe after their 14-metre boat began taking on water 195 kilometres east of Halifax on Tuesday morning.

Maj. Martell Thompson with the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Halifax said they received a call at 10:13 a.m. about a fishing vessel called All Seven in trouble and taking on water.

"All three crew members have been successfully rescued by the motor tanker British Serenity," he told CBC News.

"They're reported to be on board that vessel now, safe and sound."

Thompson said the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre tasked the Coast Guard vessels Bickerton and Earl Grey as well as a Hercules and Cormorant.

The British Serenity was on route from Quebec City to Houston when it picked up the crew members of the All Seven and they will be transferred to a Coast Guard vessel before they're taken home.

Thomas Grover, a part owner of W.T. Grover Fisheries — which owns the All Seven — told CBC News the boat is out of Larrys River in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough.

Grover said the crew was fishing off Sable Island when the boat began taking on water and the three crew members took to a lifeboat.

Meanwhile, Thompson is asking fishing crews and recreational boaters alike to take care on the water.

"What's important to note is that the rescue centre has co-ordinated 62 cases since last Saturday. It's been a very busy weekend," he said.

"We just asks folks to be careful on the water and call us if you need to."