Cargo vessel aground at Margate

A cargo vessel remains aground outside Margate Harbour.  

Shortly after 3am on Sunday morning the UK Coastguard was alerted that the cargo vessel Islay Trader, had dragged anchor and run aground near Margate Harbour between 30 and 50 metres from shore. There is no risk to life and the crew remain on board in preparation for an attempt to refloat and tow the vessel to safety around midday on Sunday with the next high water (2.30pm).  The ship’s agent has arranged for a tug from Medway, which 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.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is a frontline emergency response agency of the Department for Transport. As well as delivering maritime search and rescue through HM Coastguard (one of the four UK emergency services), the MCA is responsible for maritime regulation, safety and counter-pollution.

For further information about this or any MCA news story, please contact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office on 020381 72222 or [email protected]. You can also find us on hmcoastguard.blogspot.co.uk and on Twitter @MCA_media

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Last Updated ( Sunday, 08 October 2017 )