Those involved in the rescue of a cargo ship that became grounded off Falmouth’s Gyllyngvase Beach a week before Christmas have spoken about the incident after being thanked by their MP.

Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth, visited teams from the A&P Falmouth, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, Keynvor MorLift Ltd and Seawide Services yesterday afternoon, to congratulate them on their work in re-floating the MV Kuzma Minin.

She said afterwards: “Their bravery prevented a much more serious situation from occurring on one of Falmouth's most popular beaches – and it was a recovery operation of which Cornwall is very proud.” Carrie Gilmore, chair of Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, said part of the role of the harbour authority was to organise emergency response plans in collaboration with other organisations.

She added: “This incident demonstrates the importance of preparing and exercising those plans and it is a testament to the professionalism of these agencies that such an effective response was delivered in such a short time.”

The 180-metre Russian Bulk Carrier became grounded at 5.40am on December 18 2018 was finally re-floated nine hours later, following an operation that also included emergency services, including coastguards.

Nigel Fearn, senior marine operations manager for the Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company said: “Despite the very testing and tricky conditions, the FDEC team delivered a very impressive, swift and professional response and we are exceptionally proud of their efforts.

“From the coastguard’s initial response, we had three harbour tugs on stand-by and worked as part of a combined emergency response team with the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners and the Marine Coastguard Agency. “We are also grateful to Fowey Harbour Commissioners, who provided a fourth tug in time to support the extraction of the stricken vessel.

“This result was achieved thanks to the quick-thinking and expertise of the tug crews and the strength of cooperation between all parties and we commend all those involved with delivering such a positive outcome. The ministerial recognition of the efforts made by the towage teams is well deserved and very much appreciated.”