The Asgard Sinks Off The Coast Of France

The Sail Training Vessel, Asgard II, has sunk in the Bay of Biscay off the coast of France.

All crew and trainees are safe and well and are now on the Island of Belle Ile.

The vessel was on a cruise from Falmouth in the U.K. to La Rochelle. On board were five crew and 20 trainees.

The decision to abandon the vessel and take to the life rafts was taken by the Captain because the vessel was taking in water.

The crew and trainees were picked up by a French Coast Guard vessel and taken to the Island of Belle-Ile where they were said to all be in good spirits.

The Ambassador to France, Ms Ann Anderson, travelled from Paris to Belle-Ile to meet the rescued crew and trainees.

The Defence Ministry has confirmed that arrangements will be made to have to have all personel brought home as quickly as possible.

Minister O'Dea complimented the crew of the Asgard and the French for their co-operation in ensuring that all on board were brought to safety.

The cause of the accident is not yet known and a full investigation will be carried out. It is understood that weather conditions at the time were moderate.