Seven Rescued from Sinking Ship off U.K.

The U.K. Coastguard has coordinated the rescue of seven crewmen from a 90-meter (295-foot) general cargo ship that sank on Friday night approximately 35 nautical miles north east of Ramsgate. 

The incident occurred in gale force winds with gusts up to 50mph. All seven crewmembers have now been taken to hospital with potential hypothermia but no serious injuries.

Media reports indicate that the vessel sank very quickly after the Mayday call was made. The crewmen were in the water before being able to get to the liferafts.

The Barbados-flagged Fluvius Tamar is believed to be carrying 3,800 tons of magnesium oxide and 80 cubic meters of diesel fuel. It now lies in waters about 40 meters (130 feet) deep.

The U.K. Coastguard search and rescue helicopters from Lydd and Lee-on-Solent, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) all-weather lifeboat from Ramsgate, a Dutch search and rescue helicopter and several merchant vessels assisted in the rescue effort.

The cause of the sinking has not yet been reported.