Russian cargo ship listing heavily near Portsmouth sparks operation to save the vessel and 13 crew before storm hits tonight
The 2,500-tonne Mekhanik Yartsev was sailing from Riga, Latvia, to Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland, when it started tilting
A RESCUE operation is underway after a Russian cargo ship started sinking near Portsmouth with 13 crew members on board today.
The 2,500-tonne Mekhanik Yartsev was sailing from Riga, Latvia, to Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland, when it started tilting towards the water.
A Coastguard pilot vessel has been dispatched to assess the ship, which is now anchored just outside Portsmouth Harbour, Hants.
A tug boat and lifeboat are also on standby close to the ship in case it begins to go under.
The Coastguard said it had power and was currently stable, while the crew were reported to be safe and well.
But the maritime search and rescue service warned of severe gales and rough seas later today.
Talks are now said to be underway with the owners of the vessel about what to do next.
Heather Perham, whose flat overlooks the water in Lee-on-Solent, said she had been trying to guess what the ship was when her husband realised it was listing.
The 61-year-old said: "We were having some lunch and looked out the window at the ships.
"My husband and I were trying to guess what the ship was because it looked a funny shape.
"But when my husband looked through his binoculars he realised it was a cargo ship that was starting to list.
"There are a few boats around it now, and hopefully they are able to get things sorted and it doesn't go under the water."
Coastguard spokeswoman said: "HM Coastguard is currently assisting a Russian vessel that has a significant list just outside Portsmouth Harbour.
"Although the vessel has developed a considerable list, it has power and is currently stable.
"The vessel is at anchor in the Solent and a pilot vessel is assessing the vessel's stability and cargo.
"HM Coastguard is currently issuing navigational safety broadcasts every half hour to warn shipping in the area and a tug and an All Weather Lifeboat are standing by on scene.
"The weather forecast is poor with severe gales and rough seas expected later today and discussions are underway with the owners of the vessel."
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A radio broadcast directed at the ship's crew said: "Your vessel is significantly listing and may need help.
"We have assessed the actions you have taken so far to recover from your current situation and have been unable to rectify the situation."
The broadcast explained there were powers under UK law to order the vessel to accept a tug or other assistance until repairs were made and the ship could continue without support.
"If you fail to make adequate arrangements for assistance, they will be made for you and the cost of a tug and any other additional support will be recovered from your owners," it said.
"If we later order you to take a tug or accept other assistance using the powers of intervention and direction and you do not comply you are committing a criminal offence under the United Kingdom law."
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