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Crew rescued from stricken ship Crew rescued from stricken ship
(40 minutes later)
Twenty-six crew have been rescued from a damaged British container ship in the English Channel 50 miles (80km) off the Lizard in Cornwall.Twenty-six crew have been rescued from a damaged British container ship in the English Channel 50 miles (80km) off the Lizard in Cornwall.
The crew of the MSC Napoli abandoned ship after it got into difficulties. There are no reports of any injuries.The crew of the MSC Napoli abandoned ship after it got into difficulties. There are no reports of any injuries.
The 62,000-tonne vessel took in water through a hole in its side as it made its way through the Channel.The 62,000-tonne vessel took in water through a hole in its side as it made its way through the Channel.
Two helicopters from RNAS Culdrose airlifted all the crew in the French co-ordinated rescue.Two helicopters from RNAS Culdrose airlifted all the crew in the French co-ordinated rescue.
Falmouth Coastguard received a distress call from the Napoli at about 1030 GMT after a 1m by 0.5m (3ft by 1ft 6in) hole in its starboard side started letting in water.Falmouth Coastguard received a distress call from the Napoli at about 1030 GMT after a 1m by 0.5m (3ft by 1ft 6in) hole in its starboard side started letting in water.
The crew of 275m (900ft) long ship, owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company, then abandoned ship for a lifeboat. The rescued crewmembers were taken back to RNAS CuldroseThe crew of 275m (900ft) long ship, owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company, then abandoned ship for a lifeboat.
The Napoli took on water about 50 miles off Cornwall
Despite storm force winds, the Royal Navy aircraft were able to hover above the crew's lifeboat and perform the rescue.Despite storm force winds, the Royal Navy aircraft were able to hover above the crew's lifeboat and perform the rescue.
Weather on scene was south-westerly severe gale force nine (more than 50mph), with 8m to 9m (26ft to 30ft) swells.Weather on scene was south-westerly severe gale force nine (more than 50mph), with 8m to 9m (26ft to 30ft) swells.
The first Culdrose helicopter took about 45 minutes to airlift 13 of the crew before heading back to Cornwall.The first Culdrose helicopter took about 45 minutes to airlift 13 of the crew before heading back to Cornwall.
The second aircraft brought back the remainder.The second aircraft brought back the remainder.
'Dangerous' cargo'Dangerous' cargo
The mixed nationality crew includes two young British cadets, as well as crew members from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Turkey, India and the Philippines.The mixed nationality crew includes two young British cadets, as well as crew members from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Turkey, India and the Philippines.
The Napoli is carrying about 2,400 containers, although its capacity is more than 4,400.The Napoli is carrying about 2,400 containers, although its capacity is more than 4,400.
The European Maritime and Safety Agency said the vessel was listed as carrying "dangerous cargo", but coastguards said a small proportion of the containers were believed to contain insecticides and pesticides.The European Maritime and Safety Agency said the vessel was listed as carrying "dangerous cargo", but coastguards said a small proportion of the containers were believed to contain insecticides and pesticides.
Coastguards hope to tow the Napoli to port
The ship is now in a stable position 45 miles (72km) south east of the Lizard and a salvage contract has been agreed.The ship is now in a stable position 45 miles (72km) south east of the Lizard and a salvage contract has been agreed.
Robin Middleton, leading the coastguard salvage response unit, said: "The emergency towing vessel Anglian Princess and a French tug are on scene.Robin Middleton, leading the coastguard salvage response unit, said: "The emergency towing vessel Anglian Princess and a French tug are on scene.
"A French salvage team is being transferred onto the Napoli by helicopter and will assess the stability and integrity of the vessel to decide if the vessel can be towed."A French salvage team is being transferred onto the Napoli by helicopter and will assess the stability and integrity of the vessel to decide if the vessel can be towed.
"The current plan is to tow the vessel to a port and discharge the cargo ashore." Coastguards hope to tow the Napoli to port"The current plan is to tow the vessel to a port and discharge the cargo ashore."
Although the ship was holed in its starboard side, it is listing to port. Falmouth coastguards said that may mean she will not sink.Although the ship was holed in its starboard side, it is listing to port. Falmouth coastguards said that may mean she will not sink.
As well as the hole on the vessel's side, the ship also suffered a flooded engine.As well as the hole on the vessel's side, the ship also suffered a flooded engine.
All vessels in the area are being warned that they should avoid her.All vessels in the area are being warned that they should avoid her.
The 16-year-old vessel is registered to London, and was last inspected by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in May 2005 when officials said it met safety standards.The 16-year-old vessel is registered to London, and was last inspected by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in May 2005 when officials said it met safety standards.