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AN operation to refloat a stricken cargo ship which ran aground in rough seas, sparking the rescue of seven crew members, is due to begin today.
Salvage and counter pollution experts will this morning begin assessing the damage to the 82-metre long vessel after it hit rocks near Colwyn Bay in North Wales.
The Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the cargo ship was in one piece following yesterday's incident, but there are growing concerns that it could begin to leak some of the 40,000 litres of fuel it is carrying.
Two lifeboats and a Royal Navy and RAF helicopter were involved in the dramatic rescue of the seven Polish crew members after their vessel got into difficulties as the Welsh coast was battered by Gale Force Nine winds and five metre swells.
An MCA spokeswoman said: "At 8.15pm last night Liverpool Coastguard received a distress call from the cargo ship 'Carrier' telling them they had run aground at Raynes Jetty, Llanddulas.
"A strong gale was blowing and a five metre swell was reported. Because of the location of the grounding Holyhead Coastguard coordinated the rescue. All seven of the Polish crew were taken uninjured from the ship by two rescue helicopters. The first from RNAS Prestwick, the second from RAF Leconfield."
The Welsh Government said it was "closely monitoring" the situation and being kept fully informed of developments.
During the five-hour long operation the A55 was closed to allow emergency workers safe access to the vessel.
The ship, which is registered in Antigua and Barbuda and was carrying a cargo of stones, is now resting against concrete dolosse blocks on the beach at Llanddulas, which runs adjacent to the A55.
Members of the coastguard, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, ambulance and police service remained at the scene overnight along with Highways Agency officers.
The MCA said the reason for the ship running aground was not yet clear.
"The crew had been taken by ambulance to North Wales Police headquarters in Colwyn Bay where they were given hot drinks and a change of clothes and transported to a nearby hotel, said North Wales Police.
A spokeswoman said: "The ship is still insecure and the A55 remains closed in both directions and an assessment of the situation will be carried out at first light. The weather remains difficult with high winds and rough seas."
Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard added: "This was a very difficult operation involving many agencies in very bad weather. Everyone is delighted that the seven crew men were rescued without injury and they are safe and well."
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