Emergency services have launched a major operation after reports a Russian bulk carrier ship has grounded on a British beach.
The Kuzma Minin is reported to be stranded off Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth in Cornwall.
The RNLI launched out of Falmouth just after 6am with pilot boats from the nearby docks also in the water.
Witnesses have taken pictures of the boat close to the shore. It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow warning of severe weather with 65mph winds forecast.
Gales have already been recorded at up to 74mph in Cornwall and 40knots on the River Tamar – disrupting traffic.
Kuzma Minion is a 23,169 tonne bulk carrier registered in Russia, running at 180.5metres long. She was built in 1980.
@SeanKernow tweeted: Russian Ship Wrecked on Gyllyngvase Beach! She’s Broadside onto the beach, in my Opinion Falmouth Shipyard Tugs won’t be Powerful enough to Pull Her off the Suction Affect of Sand. A Salvage Tug is needed but they No longer Station one at Falmouth…I’m claiming Wreckers Rights!
@CocklinIan said: ”it’s huge and it’s close….”