8 missing after cargo ship overturns off the North of Scotland
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[QUOTE]A major search operation has been launched after a vessel overturned off the north of Scotland.
Eight people are reported to have been on board the Cypriot-registered Cemfjord, a cargo ship carrying cement.
The upturned hull was found by a passing ferry in the Pentland Firth.
The search has now been called off for the night, but the Maritime and Coastguard Agency says a tug will still illuminate the area and warn shipping, until the operation resumes on Sunday.
Four lifeboats, two rescue helicopters and other vessels are involved in the search for the crew. Shetland Coastguard is co-ordinating rescue efforts.
The NorthLink ferry Hrossey also took part in the early stages of the operation.
The 83m Cemfjord had been sailing to Runcorn in Cheshire.
The last confirmed sighting of the vessel was at about 13:00 on Friday. It is understood the alarm was raised by the crew of the ferry Hrossey at 14:30 on Saturday.
"The last known position on marine traffic was at quarter past one yesterday, so that was the last known position we had of the ship.
"The weather at that time yesterday was pretty, pretty, bad."
He added: "I don't know what happened after that and I don't think anyone does to tell you the truth."[/QUOTE]
[url]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-30667084[/url]
[IMG]http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9955820.ece/alternates/w460/v2-Cemfjord.jpg[/IMG]
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