LATEST: Stricken cargo ship towed to safer waters

RNLI Dover crewman took pictures of the rescue Credit: Crewman Mark Hamilton

These dramatic pictures show the appalling sea conditions facing Lifeboat crews off the coast of Dover today.

They were rescueing crew members from the stricken Saga Sky which hit a rock barge at the Varne Bank off Samphire Hoe

Credit: Mark Hamilton
Credit: Mark Hamilton

RNLI Dover crewman Mark Hamilton's pictures show the heavy swell, but the Lifeboat's Twitter account says they don't do the conditions justice.

Thankfully the Saga Sky is now in a safe anchorage at Dungeness.

The UK Coastguard released a statement saying plans are now being made to attempt to move her into a port of refuge.

Both lifeboats, Dover and Dungeness have been stood down, although a tug remains on scene.

Credit: Mark Hamilton