A huge cargo ship that came close to hitting a 135-foot-tall lighthouse off Land's End, Cornwall, is being surveyed for damage in Falmouth Bay.

The 640-foot-long vessel, Mazarine, suffered an engine failure on Monday (10 July). The RNLI sent two all-weather lifeboats to stand by as a salvage tug and a Coastguard helicopter headed towards the stricken vessel.

Falmouth Harbour CEO, Miles Carden, has now released a statement responding to the situation.

The statement reads: "The vessel "MAZARINE" was involved in an incident close to Wolf Rock lighthouse (off Land's End Cornwall) on Monday. We welcome and applaud the efforts on Monday of the Coastguard, the local response including the personnel from A&P Falmouth on the Tug Mercia, the RNLI, and other support vessels to tow the vessel towards safety.

"Without those efforts, the outcome could have been very different. As a Statutory Harbour Authority, it is Falmouth Harbour's duty and role to act on behalf of all harbour stakeholders, whilst complying with all relevant legislation and manage risks to the harbour area, its users, and the environment.

"Falmouth Harbour encompasses and borders a number of very sensitive and valuable marine habitats. These environmental designations include; a Special Area of Conservation, two Marine Conservation Zones, and a Special Protection Area.

"We are working hard with multiple agencies to find a solution for the vessel. The parties involved include; SOSREP (the Secretary of State's Representative) and the ship's insurance company, local operators, the vessel owners, and their representatives, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), and our insurers.

"At 12:15 am this morning the vessel was granted permission under a Direction from the Secretary of State's Representative to enter Falmouth Harbour Port Limits.

"The vessel entered the Harbour limits at 07:45am today under tow and local pilot and is now at anchor in Falmouth Bay. A hull survey will be completed today and we will then work with the agencies and ship's owners and representatives to determine next steps.

"It is critical that the vessel's condition is ascertained quickly whilst a weather window exists to do so safely and then get the best overall outcome.

"This is an ongoing and quickly evolving situation and Falmouth Harbour will continue to work with partners to ensure that all risks are minimised and a speedy resolution can be reached. We will make further statements in due course."

Falmouth Nub News will remain in contact with the harbour team for updates.