Pilot rescued from sea
The pilot of a light aircraft has been rescued after ditching in the Irish Sea.
The eight-seater twin-engined Piper Twin Comanche was 12 miles from Blackpool on a flight from the Isle of Man when it came down due to what the pilot said was engine trouble.
A coastguard spokesman said the rescue was carried out only 26 minutes after the distress call was received. Two lifeboats and an RAF helicopter from Valley on Anglesey joined in the rescue.
He said: "Amazingly, he came down safely and was recovered safe and well but a bit cold."
The pilot, who was alone on the plane, was plucked from the water by a rescue vessel from a Morecambe Bay gas platform.
He has been taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but is said to be suffering only from minor injuries and slight shock. He is believed to be in his 50s and owns the aircraft, operated by Island Aviation and Travel on the Isle of Man.
