The "valiant" captain of the tug which towed the stricken car ferry Mazarine to safety in poor sea conditions has been praised for preventing a potential environmental disaster.
The Ro Ro Mazarine lost power on Monday (July 10) and ran aground near Wolf Rock lighthouse off the Isles of Scilly.
Two lifeboats from Sennen and Penlee Lifeboat were sent to the ship's location, along with a Coastguard helicopter in case the crew needed to be evacuated.
Capt Mark Rickard, one of the Marine Operations Managers at A&P Falmouth, was master on the tug A&P Falmouth Mercia along with his crew on deck.
They successfully connected a tow line to the ship in poor sea conditions off Lands End and towed her to Falmouth thus preventing a possible environmental disaster on the coast of Cornwall.
Posting on Facebook, Packet In Port correspondent and retired harbour pilot David Barnicoat said Capt Rickard had saved the day.
"Tug Mercia under the command of Capt Mark Rickard and his crew saved the day with their valiant efforts in securing the tow in poor sea conditions and towing the vessel to Falmouth
Replying to the praise Capt Rickard said: "Thanks DB! I had a great team onboard Mercia which made it all possible! Matt Cook, Simon Berryman - Thanks."
Mazarine has been anchored in Falmouth Bay, approximately 1.5m East of Rosemullion Head for the past 24 hours.
The underwater ship’s hull dive survey was completed successfully yesterday (Wednesday, July 12).
Falmouth Harbour says multiple agencies have continued to work incredibly hard on a safe solution for the vessel.
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"All personnel remain safe and well and no pollution has been reported. The tug MERCIA has been in attendance alongside the vessel.
"The vessel will now move this morning under tow to a safe berth in A&P Falmouth Docks moving into waters of Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company, the Statutory Harbour Authority for the waters around the docks.
"The parties involved in the planning of this move include; SOSREP (the Secretary of State’s Representative), the vessel’s owners and their representatives and the ship’s insurers, local operators, A&P Falmouth Docks, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), and our insurers. We may make further statements in due course."
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