Blast fears after fuel tanker runs aground

Dozens of people have been evacuated from their homes because of the potential danger of an explosion on a 3,000 tonne fuel tanker.

The Cypriot vessel Willy ran aground at Cawsands, near Plymouth, last night. It had been anchored in Cawsands Bay after discharging a cargo of petrol in Plymouth.

A half-mile exclusion zone has been imposed around the vessel, which is believed to have holes in its port and starboard tanks.

Coastguard press officer Wailim Wong said the tanker was embedded on rocks it is hoped at high tide to attach cables to stabilise her.

He said the cables were being attached to stop the vessel moving about on rocks and possibly creating a spark.

Mr Wong said: "The main concern is the possibility of an explosion caused by fumes in the empty tanks. If the vessel it stabilised it should ease matters."

Police said that 75 people living near the scene had been evacuated from their homes and taken to the local village hall. Diversions have been set up on roads around the area.

The crew of 12 left the vessel during the night, when they were able to climb off it on to the rocks. Two tugs, one the Coastguard vessel Far Sky, were at the scene monitoring the situation.

The Willy, which went aground in easterly gales, had damage to her hull and had taken on water in the engine room, said coastguards.