The crew of a Swedish cargo ship carrying hazardous waste has been rescued uninjured after the vessel ran aground off the Scottish west coast.
The 3,000-ton Lysfoss was bound for Belfast port when it struck rocks off the Isle of Mull yesterday in the early hours. The ship's port side was badly damaged and began taking in water. The crew alerted Clyde Coastguard amid fears that 170 tonnes of diesel were starting to leak from the vessel.
Six of the eight-strong crew were taken to safety by lifeboat while the ship's master and chief engineer remained on board to help with the salvage operation.
The Lysfoss is reported to be carrying paper and timber as well as diesel fuel and a small quantity of hazardous waste. The rescue operation involved two of Clyde Coastguard's units as well as a helicopter. Assistance was also provided by Tobermory lifeboat and Strathclyde Police.
The district controller of Clyde Coastguard, Mr Bill Spiers, confirmed that a small amount of hazardous waste was on board the ship but said members of his team were now on board assessing the situation. "There isn't any danger to life at this time," he told BBC Radio Scotland.