MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
South Georgia incidents ? Korean ship evacuated.
A Korean fishing trawler operating around South Georgia has struck a rock and the crew has been evacuated, while two other ships are also in trouble, due to extremely bad weather.
The Korean vessel, 'Moresko 1' is reported to be 'wedged on a rock' in the Moraine Fjord and could be taking on water. As a precaution, the crew are being evacuated to King Edward Point on the Island of South Georgia. Three small boats, one of which belongs to the patrol vessel, 'Sigma' , and two which belong to the Government of South Georgia, were used to evacuate the crew, some of whom are said to be 'very badly shaken up by their experience', but otherwise are said to be 'safe and well'.
The Moraine Fjord lies at the entrance to Cumberland Bay, which is several miles from King Edward Point.
The Falkland Islands registered vessel, 'Lyn' is currently stuck at the entrance to Moraine Fjord, but is expected to be able to free herself quite soon. There are no reports of injuries to the crew members.
A third vessel, the Spanish registered, 'Viking Bay' went aground in Cumberland Bay on Wednesday night, but managed to free herself.
According to the Deputy Commissioner for South Georgia, Russ Jarvis, 'near hurricane force winds hit the area of South Georgia late on Wednesday afternoon and evening, and despite using holding anchors the three ships were driven ashore'.
All three vessels, which have been licenced by the Government of South Georgia & The South Sandwich Islands to catch Toothfish, were in the area for pre-licence inspection, before departing to the fishing grounds. The Toothfish season open today 1st May.
Patrick Watts (MP) - Stanley.
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