The Leith-registered Auriga III got into difficulties when it started taking in water about 40 miles off the Tyne Estuary.

Two of the crew stayed on board to supervise a pumping operation in the hope the vessel could be saved.

The decision was taken later to abandon the boat, which is normally based at Eyemouth. It sank shortly before 1900 GMT.

Night always makes life that bit more tricky but the sea state was not too bad.

Flt Lt John Evans Helicopter pilot

Coastguards said the men were "safe and well" with no injuries.

They were flown to RAF Boulmer in Northumberland.

Another RAF helicopter from Leconfield near Hull was also scrambled and took part in the operation.

'Ever-changing rescue'

Boulmer-based pilot Flight Lieutenant John Evans said: "When we got there the vessel was stationary in the water still with its trawl out and beginning to list to starboard."

Four of the crew were already in a dinghy tied to the Auriga III but they were asked to go back onto the vessel to make the airlift safer.

Flt Lt Evans said: "Night always makes life that bit more tricky but the sea state was not too bad.

"It was textbook in that everything worked but from out point of view it was quite a complex operation because there were so many agencies involved and it was an ever-changing rescue."