Dover Coastguard reported that yesterday afternoon it assisted the recovery of the container ship MSC TAMPA, which suffered engine failure earlier today in the Dover Strait.

The ship lost power and then dragged anchor into the very busy shipping lane within the Dover Strait where it became a hazard to navigation.

Dover Coastguard requested the MCA Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) ANGLIAN MONARCH to the vessel to establish a tow. The container ship was then taken under tow and on route to a safe anchorage, 2 miles south of Folkestone, where any repairs will take place.

Mike Toogood, Channel Navigation Information Service Manager, Dover Coastguard said

"We immediately requested the MCA Emergency Towing Vessel Anglian Monarch to the scene to eliminate the hazard to shipping navigation. The ETV was on scene within 15 minutes."

The MSC TAMPA was formerly the MAERSK TAMPA until this year.