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    For those concerned, here is what we can release at this time. Thanks for all your support to emergency services and RNLI crews involved.

    RNLI Dover Lifeboat Station
    22 mins
    OFFICIAL HM Coastguard PRESS RELEASE

    Two Coastguard search and rescue helicopters have been sent in response to a cargo vessel colliding with a stone barge three miles south west of Dover.

    The call from the vessel came into the UK Coastguard at around 7.20 this morning (20th November), reporting it had lost power and steering.

    Bad weather conditions have meant the cargo vessel has drifted onto the Varne Bank and is taking on water. It’s understood there are 23 people on board.

    The situation remains under close monitoring by the UK Coastguard and all crew are currently being evacuated.

    Dover and Dungeness lifeboats have also been sent and are standing by the vessel.

    Deal and Dover Coastguard Rescue Teams have been put on standby to help receive crew members rescued from the vessel.

    Duty commander Steve Carson said, ‘The weather conditions this morning are particularly challenging and we have declared this a major incident. We are now planning to evacuate the crew from the cargo vessel and our HM Coastguard helicopters from Lydd and Lee-on-Solent are on the scene.'

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