General cargo ship ARKLOW DAY left Aviles Port, Asturias, northwest Spain, at 2010 UTC Dec 9 after offloading cargo of slabs.
Shortly after leaving the ship encountered rough seas of Biscay with waves up to 9 meters high.
Stray wave broke the bulkhead of the compartment where five crew were located, seriously injuring all five, including wounds inflicted by steel pieces of shattered parts of the compartment.
Reportedly, they suffered wounds all over their bodies.
Maritime Rescue Helimer Cantabrian helicopter was sent to evacuated wounded seamen, after two hours of highly professional performance in very challenging conditions, rescue team managed to airlift them, and transfer to hospital.
The remaining five crew took the ship to the nearest port, El Musel, Gijon, where she docked at around 0030 UTC Dec 10.
Source: FleetMon