4 Apr 2012

Crew rescued after cargo ship runs aground

Seven crew members survive a dramatic rescue, but concerns grow over a potential fuel leak off the coast of north Wales.

Operations are underway to refloat a stricken cargo ship which ran aground in rough seas off the coast of north Wales.

The ship hit rocks near Colwyn Bay on Tuesday evening after it was battered by gale force nine winds and five-metre swells.

Experts are assessing the damage to the 82-metre long vessel. The Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the cargo ship was in one piece following yesterday’s incident, but there are growing concerns that it could leak some of the 40,000 litres of fuel it is carrying.

In a five-hour rescue operation, seven Polish crew members were eventually rescued by two lifeboats and a helicopter.

After rescuing five of the seamen, the Royal Navy sea king helicopter developed a problem with its winch wire.

Rescue co-ordinators were forced to send out a second helicopter from RAF Leconfield to collect the remaining two crew members.

The Welsh government said it was “closely monitoring” the situation and was being kept fully informed of developments.

This was a very difficult operation involving many agencies in very bad weather. Everyone is delighted that the seven crew men were rescued without injury and they are safe and well. Assistant Chief Constable

The A55 was closed throughout the operation to allow emergency workers safe access to the vessel.

All-weather lifeboats from Llandudno and Rhyl were also launched at 8.30pm to offer assistance to the rescued crew, the MCA said.

The ship, which was carrying a cargo of stones, is now resting against concrete dolosse blocks on the beach at Llanddulas, which runs adjacent to the A55.

The crew are now resting in a nearby hotel, north Wales police said.

“The ship is still insecure and the A55 remains closed in both directions, and an assessment of the situation will be carried out at first light. The weather remains difficult, with high winds and rough seas,” said a spokesman.

Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard added: “This was a very difficult operation involving many agencies in very bad weather. Everyone is delighted that the seven crew men were rescued without injury and they are safe and well.”