Rescue mission in Alaska for sinking cargo ship

ANCHORAGE - The US Coast Guard is trying to rescue a crew of 23 people aboard a cargo ship taking on water and listing severely in the north Pacific Ocean.

The Singapore-based Cougar Ace, a container ship carrying cars, called for help late Sunday night, the Coast Guard said in a news release.

"Our primary concern is to get the crew off of the ship," said Coast Guard Petty Officer Thomas McKenzie.

The Coast Guard and other vessels are focused on rescuing the crew members, one of whom has a broken leg, the Coast Guard said. The crew has been gathered at the ship's bridge and is waiting for a rescue, according to McKenzie.

The ship is located 370.1km south of Alaska's Aleutian Island chain. A Coast Guard cutter and a C-130 aircraft were on the way to aid the Cougar Ace, the Coast Guard said.

The 199.3-metre ship is also carrying about 500 tons of heavy oil, some of which is leaking and leaving a 3.2km sheen behind the vessel, McKenzie said.

- REUTERS