Russian cargo ship runs aground off Cornwall on British coast
- Experts suspect the anchor may have been dislodged due to strong winds, meaning it would be difficult to control the vessel
A Russian cargo ship has run aground off a Cornish beach.
The 16,000-tonne Kuzma Minin was photographed before dawn grounded off Gyllyngvase beach near Falmouth.
Boats from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Falmouth lifeboat were at the scene. The UK coastguard plans to try to refloat the 180-metre carrier, which was listing at low tide.
In a statement, the coastguard said the Kuzma Minin grounded at 5.40am after dragging its anchor during strong winds.
“She currently has a list of 5 degrees but there is no report of any pollution,” its said. “Tugs are on their way to the vessel and a lifeboat is standing by at the scene. The Falmouth coastguard rescue team have cordoned off an area around the ship. Tugs will be attached to the vessel and as the tide rises, the plan is to refloat the vessel.”
The ship, which has 18 Russian crew on board but no cargo, was reported to have set off from the port of Terneuzen in the Netherlands.
Former Falmouth senior pilot captain David Barnicoat said the accident occurred during “horrendous” winds.