This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-21007236

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 13 Version 14
Boat sinks after stricken tug crew rescued off Devon coast Boat sinks after stricken tug crew rescued off Devon coast
(about 5 hours 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, Torbay in 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 temporarily repaired the 40cm (16ins) gash in the tug's hull and it is now being towed to Portland for further repairs.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), said the vessel that sunk had been listing since it struck the tug. 'Success story'
'Low pollution risk' The tug Brent will transport the Christos to Portland overnight, in a journey which is expected to be completed at about 08:00 GMT on Tuesday.
"Despite managing to get it under tow earlier it was still listing," Jo Rawlings, of the MCA, said. Peter Davies, from Brixham coastguard said: "It's been a success story. I think we've managed to protect the lives of those eight people which is great and we've also managed to avert an environmental disaster."
Salvage experts were unable to board the vessel and water started washing over the decks and it started to sink, she said. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), said the vessel that sank had listed since striking the tug, but that it was empty and did not pose a pollution risk.
The MCA said the ship was empty and did not pose a pollution risk.
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.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. Rescue helicopter
A gash nearly 40cm long 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 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 also sent to the scene and is now towing the Christos 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. The Christos had been sailing from Germany to Turkey when the incident happened
"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."