Injured captain to be airlifted off damaged ship

A major rescue operation is getting underway to reach a seriously injured captain of a cargo ship damaged in treacherous seas.

The Horncliff got into trouble when it hit huge waves more than 140 miles off Mizen Head yesterday.

The captain has suffered serious spinal and internal injuries but efforts to reach him had to be called off late last night as eight-metre swells battered the ship.

The vessel was carrying around 130 containers filled with bananas and other fruit from the Caribbean to Dover - around 90 of them were swept overboard.

Two passengers on board were also less seriously injured.

The operation, which involves the RAF, will be co-ordinated by Falmouth Coastguard. The Horncliff has suffered damages but is not in immediate danger of sinking.