Ship by name 'Carrier' runs aground off Wales

The A55 eastbound was closed to allow the helicopter to land and take off. The road remained shut on Wednesday between junction 22 (Old Colwyn) and 23 (Llanddulas), and westbound between junction 24 (Abergele) and 22 (Old Colwyn) – Can you imagine why ?

Those on road were able to see a cargo ship at close quarters.  Onlookers stated that there was a ship clearly wedged up against the coast with helicopter hovering overhead with its floodlight lighting the deck.  Conditions were reportedly horrific.  The vessel that had grounded was ‘Carrier’ (its name) – 82M ship registered in Antigua and Barbuda.   The place where the vessel agrounds is very significant – there could be places which are extremely inaccessible, rocky and difficult either geographically or politically.  This occurring closer to the shore had its own advantage.

Immediately upon knowledge,  Royal Navy winched seven crew members to safety as RAF was involved in dramatic rescue of cargo ship crew amid race against time to stop 40,000-litre fuel spill.  The incident occurred in the night and Salvage and Pollution experts would begin assessment of the damage and prevention / containment of oil spill.  Two lifeboats and a Royal Navy and RAF helicopter were  reported to have been involved in the  rescue.  

The not so large ship was leaving the quarry jetty loaded with limestone when disaster struck. There reportedly was a 15 ft swell and waves battered the stricken vessel ferociously.   The strong smell of fuel  fuelled apprehensions  that her tanks may have been ruptured.   The Carrier  was reported as lying against huge concrete blocks and on rocks which form the sea defences in front of the main A55 Expressway, which was closed so it could be used as a landing pad. 

The crew who were lucky to be brought ashore soon were  taken by ambulance to North Wales police headquarters where they were given hot drinks and a change of clothes and driven to a nearby hotel for the night.  The ship is believed to have lost power as it left the jetty, prompting the crash and rescue operation

The closure of  A55 caused chaos for thousands of motorists, many of whom arrived late for work. 

With regards – S. Sampathkumar

Photo Courtesy & majorly reproduced from www.dailymail.co.uk