Barge en route to Ireland rescued

Salvage experts have been at work today rescuing a sinking barge off the coast of Kent in England.

The brand new 67 metre vessel, Goliat, was being towed from Belgium to Ireland for delivery when it grounded off Deal.

The barge, which is equipped with a crane, is used to clear silt from shallow channels. Water was found to be coming in on the port side and one vent cover was not properly closed.

None of the fuel oil tanks spilt and coastguards said that following a fly-over of the area there were no sightings of pollution.

Goliat has now been refloated and after an inspection of the hull it will continue its journey.