Drifting Cargo Ship Taken Under Tow

A cargo vessel that went adrift off the west coast of Cornwall and Devon after encountering engine difficulties is currently under tow, the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) reported.

 

The 91-meter-long vessel reported that it was drifting without power y Thursday just after 12:30 p.m. The ship is carrying a cargo of scrap metal, and all seven crew have remained on board.

 

The vessel is currently 5 nautical miles north west off Hartland Point heading to Lundy Island, and the Appledore and Padstow RNLI lifeboats are currently on scene along with the Dutch war ship HNLMS De Ruyter. 

 

The HNLMS De Ruyter is now towing the vessel to Lundy Island, North Devon where the vessel can anchor and shelter from the weather. 

 

Bremen Fighter, a tug from Holyhead Harbour is also on its way. It will take the vessel from Lundy Island to a suitable harbor.

 

A Coastguard Rescue Team from Hartland Point and the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Newquay were on standby as the vessel passed Hartland point, but were not needed.