Update: Runaway ship reaches port
The Modern Express was towed by tugs into Bilbao harbour in northern Spain
See update below:RESCUERS are carrying out a final attempt to secure a cargo ship which is drifting towards the south west coast of France.
The 22-strong crew of the Modern Express were evacuated from the 164m ship on January 26 after sending out a distress call as they crossed the Bay of Biscay.
The listing ship has since been drifting towards the French coast and high winds and waves have hampered attempts to tow it.
The maritime prefect for the Atlantic, Vice Admiral Emmanuel De Oliveira, said the impact of the Panama-registered vessel running aground would be limited. It is not thought to be leaking fuel, although 300 tonnes of diesel remains on board, and its cargo consists of 3,600 tonnes of wood and equipment.
If today’s rescue bid fails, the ship is expected to run aground south of Arcachon on Tuesday night.
UPDATE:
Tugs have managed to tow the ship into the port at Bilbao where a bid will be made to right the vessel and get her fit for sea again.
#breakingnews #modernexpress #vessel from #Santurtzi #Bilbao #Port pic.twitter.com/1ysUu1IhoT— Natxo Rodriguez (@Natxillo) February 3, 2016
