Royal Navy helicopter rescue underway as ship runs aground in force nine gale
An operation is underway tonight to rescue the seven Polish crew members of an 82-metre German-owned cargo boat that has ran aground off the coast of Llanddulas, near Colwyn Bay, north Wales.
12:20AM BST 04 Apr 2012
The boat was loading limestone from a quarry jetty in a force-nine gale with five-metre swells when it was driven aground onto a beach lined with concrete blocks.
The vessel, registered in Antigua and Barbuda, is feared to be leaking some of its 40,000 litres of gas oil after rescuers smelt fuel.
The men were in the wheelhouse when it ran around and were not injured.
A Royal Navy Sea King helicopter was deployed from Prestwick, Scotland, and winched five of the men onto the nearby A55 dual carriageway, which was closed.
It had to divert to RAF Valley, North Wales, after its winch cable became caught on a light and was damaged. Two crewmen and an RAF winchman remained on the boat while a second helicopter was sent in.
The RNLI said two lifeboats from Llandudno and Rhyl were launched into rough seas at 8.30pm.
The Marine and Coastguard Agency has alerted its pollution team.
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