A search for five Russian seafarers missing after the general cargoship Swanland sank in gales in the Irish Sea has been suspended overnight. 

Two crew from the vessel have been rescued by RAF helicopter and a body recovered from the sea leaving five unaccounted for.
The 3,150-dwt Swanland (built 1977) appears to have suffered a catastrophic hull failure while carrying a full cargo of limestone.

The vessel is operated by Torbulk, a UK ship manager specialising in smaller vessels carrying bulk cargoes in the short sea trades.

The UK coastguard said it was very concerned for the safety of the missing men although at least some of them are wearing immersion suits with strobe lights to attract rescuers.

Deficiencies have been regularly found on the Swanland during port state control inspections but none serious enough to warrant detention.

The ship had to be rescued by a tug in August last year after the vessel lost power and drifted within 1.5 miles of rocks.