Polish vessel stranded off British coast with 47 aboard, including 36 teenagers

Polish vessel stranded off British coast with 47 aboard, including 36 teenagers

2010-10-29 23:44:50 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- Harsh weather conditions have a Polish-registered vessel with 47 crew members, including 36 teenagers, stranded off the coast of the United Kingdom, the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency said Friday.

The Polish training vessel Fryderyk Chopin, which is reportedly 160 kilometers (99 miles) south west of the Isles of Scilly, has lost both masts as strong winds continue to crash into the boat.

All the 36 sailing trainees are 14 years old, but no injuries have been reported as they await assistance.

The master of the vessel requested immediate assistance at 8:03 a.m. local time, stating they were in danger of losing their second mast and was currently experiencing severe weather conditions of Severe Gale Force 9.

James Instance, Regional Coordination Center Manger, Falmouth Coastguard confirmed the 47 people aboard the training vessel, adding that coastguards are monitoring the situation and staying in touch with the Master as they coordinate the rescue efforts to tow the vessel.

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