Cargo ship runs aground

A cargo vessel has run aground just outside Margate Harbour.

The Coastguard was alerted just after 3am that the cargo vessel Islay Trader, had dragged anchor and run aground near Margate Harbour between 30 and 50 metres from shore.

The Coastguard says there is no risk to life and the crew remain on board in preparation for an attempt to re-float and tow the vessel to safety around midday today. A tug from Medway is due to arrive late this morning.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer is working with the vessel's shipping agents during the recovery operation and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, (MAIB) have been informed. The Secretary Of State’s Representative for Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP) has been informed and is monitoring the situation.

The Islay Trader is a Barbudan flagged 75 metre general cargo vessel with six crew on board and carrying a cargo of broken glass. There is no pollution or damage to fuel tanks, and the risk of pollution is assessed to be very low.