PARIS, Feb. 1 (UPI) — An out-of-balance and out-of-control cargo ship is heading toward the French coast as authorities make final attempts to correct the ship or to tow it to safety.
The Modern Express ship will crash into France’s southwestern coast between Monday night and Tuesday morning if efforts fail. The ship began listing on Tuesday and all 22 crew members were rescued by the Spanish coast guard after an emergency distress call.
Bad weather has continuously hindered efforts to right or tow the Modern Express. On Friday, a nearly 540-foot tow cable snapped in the rough seas.
The Panamanian-registered ship is carrying about 3,600 tons of timber and excavators, as well as about 300 tons of fuel. It is listing at an angle between 40 and 50 degrees.
French maritime authorities are planning a last-ditch attempt to right the Modern Express on Monday, weather permitting. Emergency measures will be put in order in case the ship runs aground to contain and remove leaked fuel.
The Spanish coast guard released a video of Tuesday’s rescue mission:
