Stricken Russian cargo ship 'to move to Southampton' Published duration 27 December 2017

image copyright MCA image caption The Mekhanik Yartsev lost some of its load off Worthing before becoming stricken in the Solent

Coastguards are continuing to monitor a Russian cargo ship with a "significant list" in the Solent.

The Mekhanik Yartsev got into difficulties off Lee-on-the-Solent on Tuesday morning.

The 13 crew members are reported to be safe and well and remain on board the vessel, which is carrying wooden pallets.

Surveyors have assessed the ship and it is expected to sail to Southampton Harbour on Thursday.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said preparations were being made to "facilitate the arrival" of the ship.

It had been expected to sail on Tuesday night but the move was hampered by poor weather.

media caption The ship's 13 crew are still on board (Video: @SolentShipping)

Although the vessel, which is currently off Hill Head, has developed a 20-degree list, it has power and is stable, the MCA said.

It added it was issuing navigational safety broadcasts every half hour to warn shipping in the area.

Les Chapman, the Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention, said the ship lost some pallets overboard before "limping" into sheltered water in the Solent.

"There does not appear to be any danger at all at the moment - there's no pollution, she's in a safe, stable position at a safe anchorage with a tug in attendance and a lifeboat in attendance," he said.

He added the weather was expected to improve and the ship would then be taken to Southampton where its cargo would be unloaded in a bid to "right" the ship.

The MCA said further pieces of cargo were lost from the vessel during the early hours of Wednesday and it has warned some may wash ashore.

Related Topics Lee-on-the-Solent

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