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Boat sinks after stricken tug crew rescued off Devon coast Boat sinks after stricken tug crew rescued off Devon coast
(35 minutes later)
A boat that collided with a tug it was being towed by has sunk.A boat that collided with a tug it was being towed by has sunk.
The eight-strong crew of the tug Christos XXII, containing up to 200 tonnes of diesel, had to be rescued after the collision.The eight-strong crew of the tug Christos XXII, containing up to 200 tonnes of diesel, had to be rescued after the collision.
The tug was holed by the decommissioned Moto Vessel Emsstrom, off Hope's Nose, off Torbay, Devon.The tug was holed by the decommissioned Moto Vessel Emsstrom, off Hope's Nose, off Torbay, Devon.
Divers are assessing the damage to the Christos, which was sailing from Germany to Turkey, to decide how to repair the 40cm gash in the hull.Divers are assessing the damage to the Christos, which was sailing from Germany to Turkey, to decide how to repair the 40cm gash in the hull.
Two lifeboats, the Exmouth and Torbay, and two naval ships, including HMS Lancaster, were sent to the scene, after the alarm was raised. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), said the vessel that sunk had been listing since it struck the tug.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the pumping of water from the Christos was going well and so far there were no reports of pollution. 'Low pollution risk'
An inflatable pollution control boom is being used to contain any diesel spillage. "Despite managing to get it under tow earlier it was still listing," Jo Rawlings, of the MCA, said.
Wooden pegs Salvage experts were unable to board the vessel and water started washing over the decks and it started to sink, she said.
The MCA said salvage experts were onboard the vessel and divers had been deployed to inspect and repair the hole. The MCA said the ship was empty and did not pose a pollution risk.
The incident started at about 21:30 GMT on Sunday when the 70m (230ft) tug slowed to check a problem with the tow and was struck on the port side, by the Moto Vessel Emsstrom. Water is currently being pumped out of the Christos, which the MCA said was going well, with the risk of pollution "very low".
Salvage experts and divers are onboard the vessel assessing the damage before repairing the hole.
The incident started at about 21:30 GMT on Sunday, when the 70m (230ft) tug slowed to check a problem with the tow and was struck on the port side, by the Moto Vessel Emsstrom.
A gash nearly 40cm (16in) long was opened up and the ship began to take on water.A gash nearly 40cm (16in) long was opened up and the ship began to take on water.
Crew members tried to plug the tear with wooden pegs and pump the water out.Crew members tried to plug the tear with wooden pegs and pump the water out.
The Christos sent a Mayday call that was picked up by Brixham coastguards who have been co-ordinating the rescue.The Christos sent a Mayday call that was picked up by Brixham coastguards who have been co-ordinating the rescue.
Rescue helicopter
The two lifeboats have been at the scene with HMS Lancaster and the navy vessel HMS Severn. A second tug, the MTS Vulcan, was also standing by.The two lifeboats have been at the scene with HMS Lancaster and the navy vessel HMS Severn. A second tug, the MTS Vulcan, was also standing by.
A third tug, the Brent, was sent to the scene in an attempt to see if the Christos could be towed to safety.A third tug, the Brent, was sent to the scene in an attempt to see if the Christos could be towed to safety.
A helicopter from RMB Chivenor was used to bring salvage pumps to the scene.A helicopter from RMB Chivenor was used to bring salvage pumps to the scene.
Peter Davies, from Brixham coastguard spokesman said the operation was continuing.Peter Davies, from Brixham coastguard spokesman said the operation was continuing.
"Things have improved significantly since the early hours. It's carrying about 200 tonnes of diesel. Certainly the indications are from the salvage company that things are progressing well," he said. "Things have improved significantly since the early hours," he said.
"It's carrying about 200 tonnes of diesel. Certainly the indications from the salvage company that things are progressing well."