Vessel loses steering power

The vessel is nearly two miles off Montrose

A cargo vessel with eight people on board has lost steering power in the North Sea.

The Dutch vessel, Flinterland, hit trouble in a force eight gale shortly after leaving Montrose on Wednesday bound for Finland with a cargo of timber.

The ship is nearly two miles off the coast of Montrose and has managed to drop anchor.

A spokesman for Forth Coastguard said the crew were safe and the master of the ship was described as "happy".

Weather conditions were said to be poor with winds blowing at up to 40 knots.

A tug has left Aberdeen to assist in the operation and is expected to reach the Flinterland late on Wednesday evening.

A decision will then be taken on whether the ship should be towed back into Montrose or taken elsewhere.

The spokesman said the crew may try to carry out repairs themselves, but the rough seas could hamper their attempts.