Move to avert diesel pollution threat after vessels collide off Devon coast

A tug containing 200 tonnes of diesel was being moved to port last night following a salvage operation to save it from sinking.

Engineers and salvage experts have been on board the Christos 22 preparing it to be moved for full repairs to be carried out.

The tug was hit by the decommissioned naval training ship Emsstrom off Hope’s Nose in Torbay, Devon, on Sunday night.

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The Coastguard and Maritime Agency said there was a “very low” risk of pollution, with the diesel contained within the tanks of the vessel.

The Christos 22, which was travelling from Germany to Turkey, was trying to anchor a mile off Hope’s Nose at about 9.30pm when it was hit and began taking on water rapidly.

The crew of eight men were rescued from the tug after sending out a May Day call.

There had been fears that if the Christos 22 sank, it could leak fuel on to nearby beaches.

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The Emsstrom was listing heavily for hours following the incident and sank at around 1pm yesterday.

The coastguard said the vessel was not a pollution risk.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman added: “The diesel (carried by the Christos 22) is all contained within the tanks and the vessel is likely to leave where it is and head for Portland port.”