FISHING VESSEL AGROUND ON THE LIZARD PENINSULA

A French fishing vessel has run aground on the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula.
 
Falmouth Coastguard was contacted by the vessel Scuderia just after 11pm last night (Wednesday 28 August) reporting that it had run aground at Lankidden Cove, between Cadgwith and Coverack on the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula.
 
The Porthoustock Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) and the RNLI lifeboat from Lizard were sent to the scene. The lifeboat managed to attach a line to the Scuderia but with a falling tide it was not possible to refloat the vessel.

There are 5 crew members on board, but no reported injuries. Damage to the vessel is believed to be slight with no indication of water ingress into the boat. Porthoustock CRT is on scene again this morning.

Falmouth Coastguard is now liaising with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Counter Pollution and Salvage branch, along with other agencies, to monitor the situation. Another attempt to refloat the vessel will be made at the next high water at 11.30am this morning.





UPDATE: 10.50am Thursday 29 August

Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Surveyor is en route to inspect the vessel. A decision on when to attempt to refloat the Scuderia won't be made until after the inspection has taken place.

UPDATE: 3:50pm Thursday 29 August

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Surveyor has inspected the vessel and reported back that fuel was contained in 5 tanks, one of which has been damaged. This has resulted in the loss of approximately 10 tonnes of fuel. It is hoped the remaining 20 tonnes of fuel on board can be safely removed later on today.

Under the current conditions, it’s predicted that the spilt fuel won’t move far from the Scuderia before it disperses.

The five crew members on board have now been taken ashore as the vessel is listing. Buoyancy aids, including airbags, will be used to enhance the chances of the vessel being refloated. This is unlikely to happen until tomorrow at the earliest.

Falmouth Coastguard and the MCA's Counter Pollution team, along with partner agencies, will continue to monitor the situation.

UPDATE: 5.15pm Thursday 29 August

If the appropriate bouyancy aids are put in place, an attempt will be made to refloat the vessel at next high water, which is approximately midnight tonight.

UPDATE: 6pm Thursday 29 August

Anchors set to be put on the vessel this evening to stabilise it. It's now unlikely an attempt will be made to refloat tonight. The plan is to remove the remaining fuel in the morning, with a refloat attempt tomorrow lunchtime.

UPDATE: 7.45am Friday 30 August

The Scuderia has been stabilised after additional anchors were successfully put on the vessel last night. Thanks to the work of Cornwall County Council's harbour team and the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA), a boom has also been put around the boat to contain any leaking fuel. Another vessel stayed nearby overnight to keep watch.

Salvors are returning to the Scuderia this morning (8am) to start the operation to remove the 20 tonnes of remaining fuel on board. It is not clear how long this will take. Once complete, a refloat attempt can be made at the next high water.

UPDATE: 1.35pm Friday 30 August

What little pollution is left is contained by the boom. Work to remove the remaining fuel on board is underway. Once complete, the salvors will use buoyancy aids, such as airbags, to assist with a refloat. This will need to take place at high water and could involve a number of attempts.

UPDATE: 10:45am Monday 2 September

A salvage team will attempt to lift the vessel off the rocks at 4:30pm today when the tidal conditions are most suitable.

The vessel will then be towed by a tug to Port Pendennis at Falmouth.

There is no apparent pollution in the surrounding area. Very little fuel is left on the vessel, with most of the oil having been successfully moved by salvors in recent days.

Falmouth Coastguard and the MCA's Counter Pollution team, along with partner agencies, continue to monitor the situation.

UPDATE: 4:15 Monday 2 September

The vessel was successfully floated at 3pm today, before high tide, using 60 tonnes of extra buoyancy bags.

It was assessed for leaks and pollution and is now being towed to Port Pendennis at Falmouth, where it is expected to arrive around 6pm.

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