HM Coastguard coordinating rescue of grounded vessel off Cornwall

Описание: HM Coastguard is currently coordinating assistance to the Kuzma Minin, a Russian flagged 180 metre bulk carrier, which dragged and grounded on the western side of the port entrance between Swanpool and Gyllyngvase beaches at around 0540 today. The vessel has 18 Russian crew on board but there are no reported injuries. There is no cargo on board. She currently has a list of five degrees but there is no report of any pollution.

HM Coastguard and Devon & Cornwall Police have declared a major incident due to the large number of people that use the beach and the disruption to traffic in the town. The Secretary of State’s Representative (SOSRep) Maritime Salvage & Intervention is closely monitoring the situation and the local Environment Group is also being kept informed.

Tugs are on their way to the vessel and Falmouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat is standing by at the scene. Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team have cordoned off an area around the ship.

HM Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter based at Newquay was used to transfer a Harbour marine pilot on to the vessel shown in the above footage.

WATCH Coastguard Winchman Niall Hanson, being lowered down to the Kuzma Minin before assisting the Harbour Pilot onto the vessel.

Seas remain rough with 60mph winds. Everyone is safe and well, however Newquay Coastguard helicopter - Captained by Debdash Bhattacharya, Co-pilot Paul Forbes, Winch Operator Ian Copley and Winchman Niall Hanson - remains on standby.

The attempt to refloat the vessel will take place during high tide later today using harbour tugs.

For more further updates visit: http://hmcoastguard.blogspot.com