Container ship sinking

Drama in English Channel as 60,000 GRT ship succumbs to storm force winds

A major rescue operation is underway in the English Channel after a distress call from the British registered MSC Napoli was received by Falmouth Coastguard at 10.30am.

The UK is being battered by storm force winds and in the Plymouth forecast area has been Force 9 to 10, with a sea of upto nine metres running.

The ship was 40 miles south of the Lizard. The BBC are reporting that the ship has sunk.

From the Maritime and Coastguard Agency:

The vessel is a 62,277 GRT container vessel with 26 crew. The crew have abandoned the vessel to the ships lifeboat. The vessel is in the French Search and Rescue Region and the incident is being co-ordinated by the French Coastguard with assistance from Falmouth Coastguard. The French have requested assistance from the UK Coastguard in the rescue of the crew. Falmouth Coastguard have scrambled two Royal Navy Helicopters Rescue, 193 and 194 from RNAS Culdrose. The Coastguard tug is proceeding at best speed to the last known position of the vessel. Lizard RNLI lifeboat has been requested to launch to provide safety cover.

The French Coastguard have deployed their tug and are also sending two helicopters. The weather on scene is south-westerly severe Gale Force 9, with 8 to 9 metre swells. A car carrier is standing by, but due to its size is unable to offer any further assistance. The priority is to rescue the crew from the ships lifeboat.