Ship Sinks In Irish Sea.

[Captain Kong]

27 November 2011 Last updated at 08:18 Share this pageEmail Print Share this page

.Six missing, two rescued as ship sinks in Irish Sea
The ship is understood to have gone down 20 miles north-west of the Lleyn peninsula Continue reading the main story
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Six seamen are missing after a ship sank in the Irish Sea overnight but two people have been rescued.

The crew of the cargo vessel, the Swanland, called the coastguard in Holyhead, north Wales, around 0200 GMT on Sunday.

The crew reported the hull was thought to have cracked in bad weather and the ship was taking on water.

Jim Green, from Holyhead Coastguard, said: "We are very concerned for the safety of the other six crew members."

"We know that at least some of them are wearing immersion suits and have strobe lighting with them, however sea conditions are challenging at best," he added.

The coastguard sent out a mayday relay and several vessels responded and went to the scene to assist.

Rough seas

The bulk carrier, which was carrying 3,000 tonnes of limestone, appears to have sunk 20 miles north-west of the tip of the Lleyn peninsula.

A helicopter from RAF Valley in north Wales and another from Dublin Coastguard arrived at the scene, as well as RNLI lifeboats from Pwllheli and Porthdinllaen.

Two people were rescued from the water and taken to RAF Valley but the search is ongoing for the remaining six crew members.

The coastguard report very difficult conditions in the dark with rough seas and high winds.

In August 2010, the Swanland's engines failed and it came close to grounding on rocks off the Lizard peninsula in Cornwall.

According to one shipspotting website, the vessel was built in the Netherlands and is owned by a company, Torbulk, in Grimsby.

RAF Valley is where Prince William is based as a search-and-rescue pilot but it is not clear if he was on duty this weekend.

ANOTHER REASON FOR NOT CLOSING DOWN THE COAST GUARD.

[Ivan Cloherty]

We can only hope and pray that the sea is kind and gives the missing colleagues back to us.


On past performances no doubt the Press and others will have more concern about how wildlife is affected than concern about the missing seafarers

My very first trip to sea was on a ship (trawler) called "Swanland" out to Iceland at the tender age of 13. Our thoughts will be with our colleagues and their families

[Chris Allman]

From Marine Traffic, ships searching area for survivors HERE Click on ship which will show info box, then click on Show ships track to see search pattern

Chris

[Chris Allman]

You never know, with daylight comes the chance they will be found safe and well. God Bless them all.

Chris.

[Keith Tindell]

The minister responsible for the decision to close down the coastguard stations should be made to be on the search vessels in the area, or at least on the helicoptor, that way he may get a more realistic view of the needs of seafarers. But i wont hold my breath, he will be in his nice central heated office, regards Keith Tindell

[Captain Kong]

That area of the Irish Sea is also under the control of the Liverpool Coast Guard Station which is due to close.
Good idea to send out the Minister involved in those gale conditions I think in a life boat would be better as he would then get wet and appreciate what is involved.
Brian

[Chris Allman]

Another crew member found - not confirmed if alive, lets hope so.

Chris

[Captain Kong]

The crew are from Russia
The Owners are TORBULK OF GRIMSBY
.
.

Welcome . . . . .

Torbulk Ltd commenced UK-based Ship Management operations in 1986.

Our objective is to provide a quality and cost efficient operation to our clients.

Our Ship Management team operate a fleet of vessels capable of carrying between 1500 and 3500 tonnes of dry cargo including hazardous and dangerous goods. Some of the vessels are specially equipped for the self-discharge of bulk materials, including powdered cement.

The fleet’s primary trading areas are the North Sea, Baltic Sea, Irish Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Our vessels carry in excess of one million tonnes of cargo per annum for a wide range of international organisations.

Our technical, personnel and accounting functions are located in Grimsby, Lincolnshire.

[Chris Allman]

Confirmed that the crewman found is unfortunately dead - terrible news. Does not look good for the others I am afraid.

Chris.

[John Pruden]

Liverpool bay this AM air traffic busy coast guard plus spotter planes out winds up to 70mph through the night plus heavy rain. light winds now god help them a terrible night all round 1300 gmt.john