Saga Sky
The 199 meter long, 47034 dwt cargo vessel Saga Sky collided with a barge in the English Channel off Samphire Hoe near Dover. The Saga Sky was proceeding through the channel in strong winds and heavy seas caused by Storm Angus when it suffered engine failure. Without power, the Saga Sky was at the mercy of the strong winds as it drifted towards the unmanned barge. The Saga Sky struck the barge along the starboard hull resulting in damage and water ingress. No reports of damage to the barge which was loaded with a cargo of stone.
The vessel requested assistance with the Coastguard dispatching two helicopters to the scene while a tug was dispatched from France. The RNLI lifeboats from Dover and Dungeness also arrived on scene to monitor the situation. The helicopters evacuated 11 crewmen leaving 12 on board the Saga Sky. The remaining crew were later able to restart the engine and restore partial power. Assisted by the tug, the Saga Sky proceeded to a safe anchorage off Dungeness. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
