This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/hampshire/7286972.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Storm-hit tanker towed to safety | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
A tanker which got into difficulty off the Isle of Wight when storms battered southern England has been towed to Southampton for repairs. | |
The Swedish registered Astral began dragging anchor about a mile (1.6km) to the east of the island and at one stage was at risk of coming ashore. | |
Several tugs had to secure the 11,000 tonne ship with 13 crew on board. | |
The Astral arrived in Southampton Water just off Southampton Dockhead at about 1545 GMT, said Solent Coastguard. | |
'Steering mechanism' | |
The vessel was heading for the Esso refinery in Fawley with a cargo of gas oil when it ran into trouble. | |
It is believed the ship's rudder was damaged after hitting a large shallow bank near Bembridge at about 0700 GMT. | |
A spokesman from Solent Coastguard said: "One of the refineries will disembark the cargo. | |
"When it went over the shallow ground it hit its rudder, which has damaged its steering mechanism." | |
A counter-pollution expert is expected to check for any leaks, he added. | |
Earlier, two coastguard tugs and an RNLI lifeboat, with six crew aboard, were dispatched in force 11 winds to help the stricken tanker. | |
Bembridge Lifeboat was launched to standby throughout the towing operation. |
Previous version
1
Next version