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/kent/7167666.stm
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 5 | Version 6 |
---|---|
Ship runs aground in Dover Strait | Ship runs aground in Dover Strait |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A German container vessel with 27 crew on board has run aground in the Dover Strait off the coast of Kent. | A German container vessel with 27 crew on board has run aground in the Dover Strait off the coast of Kent. |
The 90,465-tonne LT Cortesia was en route to the Suez Canal when it ran aground on the Varne Bank, nine miles (14km) south of Dover harbour. | The 90,465-tonne LT Cortesia was en route to the Suez Canal when it ran aground on the Varne Bank, nine miles (14km) south of Dover harbour. |
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said all those aboard were unhurt and the ship still appeared watertight. | |
A spokesman said it had "one shot" at moving the vessel, at high water at 1833 GMT before the tide dropped. | |
"It may be a couple of days before the tide rises again," he said. | |
The ship is carrying 4,148 containers, some of which is "hazardous cargo", but they are reported to be secure. | |
The exact nature of the materials on board is unknown but it is carrying a mix of cargo. | |
All vessels entering the Dover Strait have to report any hazardous materials to the Coastguard, but it could be as little as one container with perfume inside. | |
First indications from the vessel were that it had not sustained any damage. | |
"There was no pollution visible around the vessel... and there doesn't appear to be a breach of the hull," said a spokesman. | |
"It's quite safe where it is. It's sat on a sandbank on the Varne and it's not going anywhere. | "It's quite safe where it is. It's sat on a sandbank on the Varne and it's not going anywhere. |
"The situation is well under control at the moment." | "The situation is well under control at the moment." |
It is unclear why the vessel ran aground. | It is unclear why the vessel ran aground. |
The towing vessel Anglian Monarch is at the scene, while the owners are also believed to be arranging for the assistance of additional tugs. | The towing vessel Anglian Monarch is at the scene, while the owners are also believed to be arranging for the assistance of additional tugs. |
There is currently a 2.5 mile (4km) exclusion zone around the ship and a 3,000ft air exclusion zone. | There is currently a 2.5 mile (4km) exclusion zone around the ship and a 3,000ft air exclusion zone. |
The container vessel ran aground just before high water at 0500 GMT as it travelled through the Dover Strait in the south west bound lane from Thames Port. | The container vessel ran aground just before high water at 0500 GMT as it travelled through the Dover Strait in the south west bound lane from Thames Port. |
The Varne sandbank is a well-known hazard that is clearly marked on all shipping charts. | The Varne sandbank is a well-known hazard that is clearly marked on all shipping charts. |
Have you been affected by this? Or do you have any pictures of the ship aground? If so, you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk | Have you been affected by this? Or do you have any pictures of the ship aground? If so, you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk |
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video | Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video |