Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Crew rescued from ship taking on water in English Channel

CP785173106
A coastguard helicopter attends the scene where some crew members are being removed from the cargo ship that is taking on water in the English Channel, as a storm, Storm Angus, the year’s first big winter storm in Britain, lashes England’s south coast, Sunday Nov. 20, 2016. Forecasters say winds of 68 mph (110 kph) hit the south coast early Sunday, with a gust of 97 mph (156 kph) recorded offshore. (Gareth Fuller/PA via AP)

LONDON – British coast guards rescued crew members from a damaged cargo ship taking on water in the English Channel Sunday as a storm lashed England’s south coast with rain and strong winds.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the 650-foot (200-meter) Saga Sky hit a barge full of rocks after losing power and breaking free of its anchor near Dover. A tug was dispatched to tow it to safety.

Duty commander Steve Carson said two helicopters were on hand to airlift the 23 crew members from the ship.

The Meteorological Office said 2 inches (54 mm) of rain fell in Exeter, southwest England, during Storm Angus, the first big storm of the autumn-winter season in Britain.

Forecasters said gusts of up to 80 mph (130 kph) hit the south coast, with a gust of 97 mph (156 kph) recorded offshore.Firefighters called to a seafront blaze in the town of Bognor Regis said they struggled to stand up in the strong winds.

The storm was expected to move away from Britain into the North Sea later Sunday.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles