Large ship is taking on water
650 foot Cargo vessel sailing under a Hong Kong flag loses engine power near Sanfire Hoe off Dover. She dragged her anchor and collided with barge full of rocks (used for coastal defences). Coastguard reports the ship was holed and is taking water faster than her pumps can pump it out.
Dover and Dungeness Lifeboats have been launched and are standing by. Some of the crew have already been evacuated by helicopter. (11 reported to be airlifted off)
A powerful tug is racing to the scene from Boulogne and plans to tow the stricken vessel to safety
Ship involved appears to be the Saga Sky. A message from her at 10.19am says she is now under her own power speed 1.2 knotts. Lifeboats standing by. (Thanks to Jamie Hayden who worked out which ship it appears to be)
Latest position approx. 1.5 miles off Capel Le Ferne.
The French Tug ABEILLE LANGUEDOC should be on the scene by 12 noon.
Anyone with pictures please post them on our Ryes Own Newsfeed page on facebook
Last Update … 21 November – Jamie Hayden tells us that the Saga Sky is now safely in port at Dunkirk