Press Notice No : 001/99 30 January, 1999A 2,000 gross registered tonne coaster alerted Forth Coastguard by Channel 16 at just after 3.00 am this morning to report that she had gone aground 1 miles south of Eyemouth in the Scottish borders.
The Danish registered vessel carrying a full load of potatoes on its way from Montrose to Algeria, and with 7 people on board, grounded on rocks in good visibility, calm sea, with winds Force 2 to 3.
Forth Coastguard immediately alerted the Eyemouth Coastguard team, and requested the launch of the Eyemouth lifeboat to assist her, but as the vessel remains upright, and there appeared to be no immediate danger to her crew it was agreed to leave her crew aboard. The vessel is holed in the forepeak, but she is doubled hulled and there is no immediate sign of any pollution from her 100 tonnes of diesel fuel from her bunkers.
The Master is in contact with the Danish Agents who are presently arranging for a tug in order to tow her off the rocks, and from there to a suitable available dry dock.
Hugh Shaw, District Controller at Forth Coastguard said:
" No crew appears to be at risk at present and we have also alerted our own marine pollution control unit as well as the local authority to the incident. A further inspection will be made at first light this morning " at about 7.45 am _ for any further damage undetectable at night. We have alerted our own marine surveyors and the Marine Accident investigation Branch who may wish to investigate the cause of the accident. High water is at 13:30 this afternoon, and if a tug is sourced by that time advantage may be taken of the tides to take her off at that time.
For further details:
http://www.shipping.detr.gov.uk/mca/mcahome.htm 24-hour public information line: 0870 6006505 or email infoline@swan.mcagency.org.uk
