JERUSALEM, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Eleven crew members were rescued Sunday from a Moldovian ship that sank off Israel's coast in stormy weather and gale force winds, an Israeli official said.
"The Moldovan ship sank ... the crew got off on life rafts," Yigal Maor of Israel's Shipping and Ports Authority told Israel Radio.
The crew members were plucked from the water by a Taiwanese ship off the coast of Israel's port city of Ashdod, Ynetnews.com said.
Initial reports said the ship's captain alerted authorities that the ship was taking water approximately 8 miles from Israel's coast.
Israel Air Force and Navy dispatched a helicopter to the site, but encountered difficulties and alerted a nearby vessel to assist in picking up the crew members who jumped into the water, the Web site said.
The waves in the area were reported to be up to 32 feet high.
Haaretz said the ship carrying 3,000 tons of iron reportedly tipped on its side before it sank.
The rescued crew members will not likely require medical care and were brought safely to shore, Ynetnews.com said.
