14/02/2008

Vessel Aground In The River Clyde

A cargo vessel has had to be rescued from the River Clyde after losing engine power.

At 5.50pm yesterday the Clyde Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received a call from Estuary Control reporting that a cargo vessel the Minerva 2 had lost engine power in the River Clyde.

The cargo vessel, weighing 1,999 gross tones, was carrying scrap metal from Glasgow to Portugal when it suffered engine failure and ran aground opposite Dumbarton Rock.

The vessel was listing at two and a half degrees to port with eight persons on board.

With the assistance of the tug Battler the vessel was successfully refloated at 7.25pm and is currently being towed to the Ocean Terminal at Greenock with Helensburgh Lifeboat providing an escort.

Clyde MRCC Watch Manager Andy MacMillan said: "The cargo vessel Minerva 2 is currently en route to Greenock after grounding and being subsequently refloated this evening.

"On arrival at Greenock the vessel will be inspected by surveyors who will assess whether it has suffered any structural damage. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been informed."

(VB)

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