The Marine and Coastguard Agency has given an update on the cargo ship that has run aground at Llanddulas, North Wales.
A spokesman confirmed that Holyhead Coastguard is co-ordinating the rescue operation and a helicopter from RAF Prestwick is en route.
He also confirmed the nationality of the seven crew members as Polish.
An RNLI spokesman confirmed that lifeboats are attending a cargo ship that struck a rock on the breakwater at Llanddulas. He said:
The German vessel has eight crew members on board. Both Llandudno and Rhyl all-weather lifeboats launched into a full gale and rough seas to assist the vessel and arrived on scene by 9pm. Due to the challenging weather conditions and the casualty's proximity to the shore, the volunteer crew on both lifeboats are currently on standby nearby as they wait for the RAF helicopter to provide extra assistance.
A rescue operation is underway at Llanddulas near Colwyn Bay, North Wales after a cargo ship ran aground. A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard North Wales would not confirm how many people were aboard. Lifeboats from Rhyl and Llandudno are thought to be at the scene.
RAF, RNLI, Police are currently on scene at Llanddulas in an attempt to assist with the rescue of crew of cargo ship on rocks #teamwork
The captain of a cargo ship that collided with a passenger ferry in Belfast Loch last night has been charged with having excess alcohol in his system.