Sunday, December 29, 2013

Most storm-hit homes get power back

29 December 2013 Last updated at 12:02 GMT

Most storm-hit homes 'to get power back on Sunday'

Man working to restore electricity Work is continuing to restore power to some 600 storm-hit properties

Most UK properties still cut off from electricity following the Christmas storms will be reconnected by the end of Sunday, power firms have said.

The number of properties without power has now fallen to about 600, the Energy Networks Association said.

Electricity North West in Cumbria, UK Power Networks in south-east England and Scottish Power Networks in Wales said almost all were being reconnected.

It comes as forecasters warn of a fresh bout of heavy rain and wind on Monday.

Travel news: Choose an area

The Met Office has issued a yellow alert, meaning be aware, for south-west England, Wales and Scotland - with gales of up to 80mph expected in parts.

"With ground already saturated over much of this region, the public should be aware of the risk of further local flooding," the Met Office said.

Prime Minister David Cameron has urged councils to draw up "robust plans in case of bad weather and flooding over New Year".

Flooding in Apperley, Gloucestershire following the Christmas storms which swept Britain The Environment Agency has warned residents in southern and south-west England of a "continued heightened flood risk" ahead of Monday's rain
Shapwick flooded by the Stour The village of Shapwick in Dorset is still dealing with the aftermath of the Christmas storms
A woman carries dripping carpet from her home in Yalding, Kent, after it was flooded during the recent bad weather A woman carries a dripping carpet from her home in Yalding, Kent, on Saturday - after it was flooded in the recent bad weather

The Energy Networks Association, which represents the operators of power networks, tweeted that engineers had restored power to all but 600 properties who had lost electricity during the storm.

UK Power Networks said in a statement that 169 customers in Kent were still without power, along with 112 in Sussex and 22 in Surrey.

But it added: "We believe it will take until the end of today to restore power supplies to the final single premises affected in these areas, though progress is being made all the time and we believe many will be on sooner."

Scottish Power Networks said it hoped to restore power to about 100 remaining storm-hit properties in north Wales on Sunday.

And Electricity North West said its last 70 customers in Cumbria would be reconnected.

Southern Electric meanwhile said on Sunday that teams had already restored electricity to all customers affected by the Christmas storms.

Has your electricity supply been affected by the Christmas Eve storm? What is your reaction to the offer of increased compensation? Send us your experiences using the form below.

Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.

Read the terms and conditions

Posted by at No comments:

Ian Paisley in hospital for tests

29 December 2013 Last updated at 12:04 GMT

Ian Paisley in hospital for tests

Ian Paisley Ian Paisley is undergoing tests in hospital, his family has said

Northern Ireland's former first minister Ian Paisley has been admitted to hospital for what his family say are "necessary tests".

In a statement, his wife, Baroness Paisley, said her husband was "in good spirits".

"The family are grateful for those who have expressed concern and ask that his privacy be respected," she added.

In February 2012, the 87-year-old spent a week on a life support machine suffering from heart failure.

Mr Paisley, now Lord Bannside, later returned to public life after recovering.

In October 2012, he led a service outside his church in east Belfast, Martyrs' Memorial, in memory of the unionist leader Lord Edward Carson.

He stood down as Northern Ireland's first minister in 2008 and ended 60 years of full-time ministry in January 2012.

In addition to co-founding the DUP and leading it from 1971 to 2008, he is a founding member and was moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church from 1951 to 2008.

Posted by at No comments:

'Debt crisis will affect millions'

29 December 2013 Last updated at 11:45 GMT

Debt crisis will hurt millions, says think-tank

Wallet Even in a "good growth" scenario, the number of households facing a debt crisis would almost double

Millions of UK households will face "perilous" levels of debt when interest rates begin to rise, according to a think-tank focused on living standards.

The number of people using more than half their disposable income to repay debt could rise from 600,000 to a 1.1 million by 2018 if interest rates rise to 3%, said the Resolution Foundation.

If rates hit 5%, two million households would face huge repayments, it said.

Mortgages are the largest source of UK household debt.

The Resolution Foundation study used the latest five-year growth projections from the independent Office for Budget Responsibility.

"Even if we take a somewhat rosy view of how the economy will develop over the next few years the number of households severely exposed to debt looks as though it will double," said Matthew Whittaker, the senior economist at the Resolution Foundation.

"But the levels of debt built up by families in the pre-crisis years are such that even relatively modest changes in incomes and borrowing cost assumptions produce significantly worse outcomes."

The Resolution Foundation said the number of households in so-called "debt peril" - spending more than half their income to debt repayments - was 870,000 in 2007, just before the financial crisis.

If rates do not rise above 3% by 2018, then the Resolution Foundation suggests 1.1 million will be in "debt peril".

Unemployment rates

"On the most adverse, but still plausible, scenario looked at in the Resolution Foundation analysis the number of households in Britain who spend at least half their disposable income on repaying debts (and are therefore deemed to be in debt peril) could more than triple - from 600,000 in 2011 to 2 million by 2018," it said.

The predictions apply to all debt, including credit cards and other loans - but mortgages make up the largest slice of most debt in the UK.

The Bank of England has kept interest rates on hold at a record low of 0.5% since March 2009.

Under the Bank's policy of forward guidance, brought in Governor Mark Carney, it has said it will not increase interest rates until the rate of unemployment has dropped below 7%.

The UK unemployment rate this month recently fell to 7.4% during the three months to October, the lowest level since early 2009, which led some economists to predict that the Bank may raise rates as soon as next year.

Recently, the Conservative-leaning think tank, the Centre for Social Justice, said the average UK household has debts of £54,000, including mortgages. This is nearly twice the level of a decade ago and much more must be done to help the UK's poorest families, it said.

Posted by at No comments:

Five held over man's death at house

29 December 2013 Last updated at 10:29 GMT

Five held over man's death at house in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Part of Wilmot Drive Police were called to Wilmot Drive at about 21:30 GMT on Saturday

Five people have been arrested after the body of a man was found at a house in Staffordshire.

Paramedics were called to a house in Wilmot Drive in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Saturday evening, police said.

The man was confirmed dead at the scene. Five men, aged between 28 and 57, at the address were subsequently arrested.

Detectives say they are trying to identify the victim and speak to his family.

A forensic examination of the address is taking place and officers will be carrying out inquires in the area around Wilmot Drive over the coming days to establish circumstances leading to the death, the spokesman said.

Posted by at No comments:

Hodgson boosts youngsters' Brazil hopes

29 December 2013 Last updated at 10:03

England's Roy Hodgson boosts young stars' World Cup hopes

England manager Roy Hodgson says the door remains open for young players to force their way into his squad for next summer's World Cup finals in Brazil.

Among those identified by Hodgson include Everton's Ross Barkley and West Ham's Ravel Morrison, both aged 20.

"These two must realise we do have great faith in them and enormous admiration for their talent," Hodgson told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek.

But he warned they will have to perform consistently well to be selected.

Midfielder Barkley, who joined Everton as an 11-year-old, made his England debut in the 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Moldova in September.

His displays have drawn comparisons to Italia 90 and Euro 96 star Paul Gascoigne, while Match of the Day presenter and ex-England striker Gary Lineker recently tweeted  that Barkley was a "prodigious talent".

Former Manchester United midfielder Morrison, who has been capped from Under-16 to Under-21 level, has also been widely praised this season.

Hodgson said: "There is no problem with a lack of experience. He has the quality, but he's going to find there is stiff competition from others, including Ross Barkley.

"Ravel has just broken into the Under-21 side, whereas Ross has been in the Under-20 and Under-21 sides over a period of time.

"We think they will be exceptional players, but they have got to perform week-in and week-out, and make sure they are on that team sheet.

"If they can keep more experienced players out of the team then, come May, their names will be in serious discussion."

Hodgson has also given hope to other young talent that there is still time for them to make an impression.

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling, 19, made his full England debut in a 4-2 defeat by Sweden in 2012, a match in which he was replaced by Manchester United's 21-year-old forward Wilfried Zaha, who was also making his debut.

"You cannot ignore Raheem Sterling, who I saw playing brilliantly for Liverpool the other day, and [winger] Nathan Redmond of Norwich," said Hodgson. "And you cannot forget Wilfried Zaha, who a few months ago was on everyone's lips.

"But you've got to be careful with names of young players who suddenly burst on the scene.

"This time last year Wilfried was suggested as a shoe-in for the squad, but he's been usurped by Ravel Morrison and Ross Barkley, and, who knows, their places might be usurped."

Posted by at No comments:

Kallis hits century in final Test

29 December 2013 Last updated at 09:48

Jacques Kallis: South African hits century in final Test

South Africa's Jacques Kallis marked his impending retirement by scoring a century in the 166th and final Test of his career, becoming the third highest Test run scorer in the process.

When Kallis, 38, moved on to 115 it took him to 13,289 Test runs, one ahead of ex-India batsman Rahul Dravid.

Three balls later Kallis tried to launch Ravindra Jadeja into the stands and top edged to keeper MS Dhoni.

Play continues on day four of the second Test against India.

Kallis announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket on Christmas Day, but he remains available for one-day international matches.

He was given a guard of honour as he walked to the crease on Saturday and almost 24 hours later the all-rounder brought up his 45th Test ton off 273 balls with 13 fours.

Kallis is South Africa's highest Test run scorer, and only India's Sachin Tendulkar and Australia's Ricky Ponting have scored more runs in Test history after the South African passed Dravid shortly before being dismissed.

Kallis has also taken 292 Test wickets, while his tally of 200 catches is second in the all-time standings, 10 behind Dravid.

Posted by at No comments:

NI parties holding further talks

29 December 2013 Last updated at 09:58 GMT

Some Northern Ireland parties hold more Haass talks

Photo of round-table talks from 22 November Meghan O'Sullivan and Richard Haass (both centre) have chaired a series of round-table talks

Northern Ireland's past, flags and parading

Delegations from some of the Northern Ireland Executive parties will continue talks about the past, parades and flags on Sunday.

Talks aimed at solving some of the contentious issues ended on Saturday without agreement.

The DUP met with former US diplomat Richard Haass, who is chairing the talks, on Saturday night, as the party does not negotiate on a Sunday.

The five main parties will meet again early on Monday.

The DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson said he hoped a deal could be reached before Monday's deadline.

"There are a number of significant issues that need to be resolved, particularly on parades and dealing with the past and so we're determined to try and close the gap if we can," Mr Donaldson said.

'Final effort'

Dr Haass returned to Belfast on Saturday after efforts to reach a deal before Christmas had failed.

He said he was back "for one final effort to help reach agreement".

Dr Haass and his co-chair, Harvard professor Meghan O'Sullivan, are due to leave Northern Ireland before the new year.

Before Saturday's round-table talks began, Peter Robinson, Northern Ireland's first minister and leader of the DUP, said some elements of the proposals were "unworkable".

He said: "There's a large part of the document I could readily bring to the party, there are other elements that render the rest unworkable."

'Terrible embarrassment'

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, from the main nationalist party Sinn Féin, said: "I just think that for Richard Haass and Meghan O'Sullivan to leave here without making an agreement would be a terrible embarrassment for politicians, for the process, and would clearly show a lack of leadership qualities in terms of facing up to these very difficult challenges."

Prior to Saturday's six-hour meeting Prof O'Sullivan had said: "By Monday we will know whether an agreement is to be had or not."

Dr Haass said the talks were "a final opportunity to come together in an agreement that we believe could and would change Northern Ireland for the better, both for individuals and for society writ large.

"We hope this opportunity is seized, as time does not work in anyone's favour.

"The last year has shown that flags and parades have the potential to further inflame an already divided society.

"Time also works against the ability to capture the past, as memory fades, as evidence is lost and lives end."

Asked if this was his final effort, Dr Haass used an American phrase: "You either fish or you cut bait." He said that time had come.

'Missing ingredient'

Dr Haass and Prof O'Sullivan were brought to Northern Ireland in July by the first and deputy first ministers.

They returned to the US for Christmas after talks broke up without agreement in the early hours on Christmas Eve.

"By noon on Monday we will have had 12 hours of plenary, it will be hard at that point, given everything that will have gone before, to argue that the missing ingredient is more time," Dr Haass said.

The parties were given a fifth draft of proposals from Dr Haass and Prof O'Sullivan on Friday night.

Posted by at No comments:

'Suicide bomber' hits Russia station

29 December 2013 Last updated at 10:01 GMT

'Suicide bomber' hits Russia's Volgograd train station

Breaking news

An explosion at a train station in the southern Russian city of Volgograd has killed 10 people, reports say.

A female suicide bomber was responsible for the blast at around, Russia's anti-terrorism committee said.

A suspected female suicide bomber killed at least six people when she attacked a bus in the city in October.

An Islamist insurgency in the North Caucasus region has led to many attacks there in recent years. Insurgents have also attacked big Russian towns.

Volgograd lies about 900km (560 miles) south of Moscow and 650km north of the North Caucasus.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for Sunday's explosion.

Sunday's blast rocked the station at around 12:45 (08:45 GMT). Footage from the scene showed bodies laid out beside ambulances parked in the station forecourt, and debris strewn on its steps.

Russian authorities are concerned militant groups could be ramping up violence in the run up to the the 2014 winter Olympic Games in the city of Sochi, which is due to start on 7 February.

In July, Chechen insurgent leader Doku Umarov posted an online video urging militants to use "maximum force" to prevent the Games from going ahead.

Volgograd lies about 690km north-east of Sochi.

Posted by at No comments:

Two held over North Sea ferry fire

29 December 2013 Last updated at 09:56 GMT

Ferry fire on North Sea leads to two arrests

Breaking news

Two men have been arrested after a fire broke out on a North Sea ferry, which led to six people being airlifted to hospital.

A 26-year-old was arrested on suspicion of arson and a 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of affray.

RAF helicopters winched two passengers and four crew off the MS King Seaways, which was sailing to Amsterdam, when it was 30 miles off Flamborough Head.

The DFDS ferry returned to North Shields early on Sunday.

It had had 946 passengers and 127 crew on board.

Posted by at No comments:

England on a road to nowhere - Agnew

29 December 2013 Last updated at 08:56

Ashes 2013-14: England on a road to nowhere - Jonathan Agnew

It has been absolutely shattering to witness the brutal dismantling of what was a decent England team over the past six weeks in Australia.

Their 3-0 victory during the summer was probably an unfair reflection of the balance of power but England were the better side and deserved to win - although they clearly believed they were better than they were.

If you had put together a composite of the two teams at the end of the English summer you would not have found many Australians in it but if you were to do the same now you would probably only include Stuart Broad and Kevin Pietersen from the England ranks.

It is a remarkable turnaround over such a short space of time and leaves you feeling that England just need this series to end before further damage is done.

Interviewing Alastair Cook after the eight-wicket defeat in Melbourne, I couldn't detect any real confidence that England know how they are going to turn it round.

He spoke again about the hard work they do in practice, but that's not what's required now - it is the whole character of the team that has gone.

The confidence of every player has taken a hammering. You need a spark to lift the team and I don't see where that is going to come from.

Cook was honest, he didn't try to brush things away, but they have to get out of this tour and then have a really detailed look at what has gone wrong.

I would chart the demise back to the second Test against New Zealand at Headingley where England should have enforced the follow-on and thrashed them but chose to be cautious and bat again.

They were very disdainful of the opinion that they should have been more aggressive by putting New Zealand back in to bat, but it was a defensive move and in the event they were fortunate to have enough time to win the game on a showery final day.

The pattern has continued in Australia. Men back on the boundary when a new batsman is at the crease. The constant time-wasting and slowing down of the game to set what turn out to be very routine fields.

Until they properly address the manner in which they play cricket I don't think this team is going to go anywhere.

At the end of this tour there has to be a long and thorough review and I hope everyone involved in the game is allowed to have a say, because we all have our own thoughts.

Some tough decisions need to be taken both in personnel but also in the manner in which England is playing its cricket at the moment.

What would not be right for English cricket would be to prepare nice green pitches in order to ambush India and Sri Lanka with a Dukes ball in the summer and assume everything is all right again.

If we are just going to prepare damp pitches for the ball to shoot about and for overseas batsmen who aren't used to it to nick off, then we are not going to improve as a team.

England need to build an attack capable of beating Australia in conditions which are fair to both sides.

The pitches in Australia have been perfectly good, but they have been unfamiliar to the England players, who are used to playing on pitches that suit their own strengths.

What can England do for Sydney? I hear people saying they would drop Michael Carberry because he is not a long term solution and I can understand that argument.

The manner in which he batted in the second innings in Melbourne makes you wonder if he is cut out for Test cricket.

They could move Joe Root to open, they could put Ian Bell up to three and Gary Ballance in at five. You feel they have to try something because to trot out the same batting order would be unlikely to produce anything different.

In the bowling department, I think James Anderson has blown his bolt for now and probably needs a breather.

That would mean a call-up for one of the three tall pacemen - Chris Tremlett, Steven Finn or Boyd Rankin.

They have all bowled very poorly on the tour so far, but you can only deal with the resources that are out here in Australia and England's options are very limited.

Jonathan Agnew was talking to BBC Sport's Jamie Lillywhite.

Listen to Jonathan Agnew and Geoff Boycott's review of the day on the TMS podcast page

Relive the fourth day in Melbourne in the Pint-Sized Ashes.

For a photo gallery from day four of the fourth Ashes Test Match go to the BBC Sport Facebook page 

Posted by at No comments:

S Sudan 'wildcard' army worries UN

29 December 2013 Last updated at 09:02 GMT

South Sudan: UN concerned by 'wildcard' White Army

South Sudanese soldier loyal to President Salva Kiir talks to UN soldiers from South Korea at Bor airport, 25 December 2013 South Korean soldiers are stationed in Bor, south of Juba, as part of the UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)

South Sudan strife

The UN has expressed concerns about thousands of South Sudanese youths - loyal to rebel leader Riek Machar - marching on the strategic town of Bor.

Armed with machetes and sticks, the "wildcard" group does not have military training, a UN spokesman told the BBC.

The UN is organising surveillance flights to ascertain the group's size, added the spokesman, Joe Contreras.

At least 1,000 people have died in this month's fighting. More than 121,600 are believed to have fled their homes.

Tens of thousands of civilians have sought refuge in UN camps and reinforcements have been arriving to give them extra protection.

The government has offered a ceasefire, but the army says its forces are still battling over oilfields in the north.

What began as a power struggle between Mr Machar and President Salva Kiir has taken on overtones of a tribal conflict. The Dinka, to which Mr Kiir belongs, are pitted against the Nuer, from which Mr Machar hails.

'Ratchet up the conflict'

Government troops are currently in control of Bor, the capital of Jonglei state they had taken from the rebels.

The group reportedly marching on the town are part of an ethnic Nuer militia known as the White Army because of the white ash they put on their skin to protect them from insects.

South Sudanese government spokesmen have been quoted as saying it numbers as many as 25,000 armed men and answers to the former vice-president, but these details have not been confirmed.

The White Army seems sympathetic to Mr Machar, but does not appear to be acting on his direct orders, said Joe Contreras, a spokesman for the UN Mission in South Sudan, who described the group as "a volatile and unpredictable ingredient" to the unrest in South Sudan.

"They do not have a military background or the discipline that you would associate with military who have been fighting under the banner of the former vice-president since this crisis began," he told the BBC's World Service.

"They are a wildcard whose intervention in the theatre of conflict outside Bor could ratchet up the conflict even further and also put at even greater risk the lives of innocent civilians."

Mr Machar was deputy president until Mr Kiir sacked him in July.

Riek Machar has given a cautious response to government proposals to end hostilities, as Peter Biles reports

Earlier this month fighting broke out between rival army factions after Mr Kiir accused Mr Machar of trying to unseat him in a coup.

Mr Machar said on Friday his forces were in control of the whole of the states of Jonglei and Unity, apart from Bor.

He said he had a negotiating team ready but any ceasefire had to be credible, properly monitored and preceded by the release of 11 detainees accused of being co-conspirators in the coup plan.

Mr Kiir has refused to accept any preconditions for a ceasefire.

BBC map
News graphic showing the ethnic groups of South Sudan Sudan's arid north is mainly home to Arabic-speaking Muslims. But in South Sudan there is no dominant culture. The Dinkas and the Nuers are the largest of more than 200 ethnic groups, each with its own languages and traditional beliefs, alongside Christianity and Islam.
Map showing the location of oil fields in South Sudan Both Sudan and the South are reliant on oil revenue, which accounts for 98% of South Sudan's budget. They have fiercely disagreed over how to divide the oil wealth of the former united state - at one time production was shutdown for more than a year. Some 75% of the oil lies in the South but all the pipelines run north
Map showing the geography of South Sudan The two Sudans are very different geographically. The great divide is visible even from space, as this Nasa satellite image shows. The northern states are a blanket of desert, broken only by the fertile Nile corridor. South Sudan is covered by green swathes of grassland, swamps and tropical forest.
Map showing access to water in South Sudan After gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan is the world's newest country - and one of its poorest. Figures from 2010 show some 69% of households now have access to clean water - up from 48% in 2006. However, just 2% of households have water on the premises.
Map showing education levels in South Sudan Just 29% of children attend primary school in South Sudan - however this is also an improvement on the 16% recorded in 2006. About 32% of primary-age boys attend, while just 25% of girls do. Overall, 64% of children who begin primary school reach the last grade.
Map showing food insecurity rates in South Sudan Almost 28% of children under the age of five in South Sudan are moderately or severely underweight - this compares with the 33% recorded in 2006. Unity state has the highest proportion of children suffering malnourishment (46%), while Central Equatoria has the lowest (17%).
previous slide next slide
Posted by at No comments:

Probe after North Sea ferry fire

29 December 2013 Last updated at 09:00 GMT

North Sea ferry fire on MS King Seaways prompts probe

Ferry returns to North Shields The ferry returned to port at North Shields after the fire

An investigation is under way after a fire on board a ferry in the North Sea forced it to return to Newcastle.

Police are questioning passengers and crew, who detained a person suspected of starting Saturday night's fire.

RAF helicopters winched two passengers and four crew off the MS King Seaways, which was sailing to Amsterdam, when it was 30 miles off Flamborough Head.

The DFDS ferry, which had 946 passengers and 127 crew, returned to North Shields early on Sunday.

Insp Andrew Dixon of Humberside Police said the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) had called them at about 23:00 GMT and had said a passenger was "believed to have set fire to a cabin".

MS King Seaways, behind two buildings An investigation is under way in to the blaze on MS King Seaways

"As a result of this incident, the person suspected of causing the fire, or the person from the cabin where the fire occurred - be it deliberate or accidental - has been detained by ship staff," he added.

Some 15 passengers and eight staff were checked onboard by a doctor, DFDS added in a statement.

It said the fire had started at about 22:45 GMT on Saturday but was extinguished within 15 minutes.

Serge Chamuleau and his family, from Arnhem in the Netherlands, were on board the ferry.

He told BBC News: "We first discovered about the fire when we heard a loud noise that kept going for 10 minutes or so.

"We got out of the cabin to check what was going on and we were told about the fire by another passenger. We got dressed and the alarm signal was given and we had to go outside.

Serge Chamuleau and his family Serge Chamuleau, a passenger, said he could smell smoke

"There was a lot of smoke - you could smell it."

Meanwhile, Gert Jakobsen - DFDS vice president - said the ferry had been boarded by police and fire investigators, who were speaking to crew members and passengers.

"The ship has arrived back in Newcastle and police are now on board and in control of it," he said.

"They are investigating the cause of the fire and speaking with senior crew members as well as passengers who were close to the incident.

"For this reason the passengers are not allowed to leave the ship."

Mr Jakobsen said the investigation process meant passengers would not be able to disembark until about 08:00 GMT.

However, the BBC's Richard Thomas, in North Shields, said he had not seen any people leaving the ferry.

Our reporter said the delay had been caused by the process of questioning passengers.

He added that a number of friends and relatives were waiting at the port to greet passengers.

'Fairly calm'

The MCA said it would survey the vessel for any lasting damage.

Katie Gellatly, from Humber Coastguard, explains how the rescue unfolded

The MCA's Jo Rawlings told BBC News that conditions for the rescue had been "fairly calm".

Those winched off the ferry had been airlifted to Scarborough and no-one was seriously injured, she said.

Helicopters from RAF Leconfield and RAF Boulmer were sent to the scene.

Sqn Ldr Dave Webster said that when the RAF had been called for assistance, it was initially thought 23 people would need to be winched to safety but that figure was later downgraded.

RAF crew had lifted those affected off the ferry within an hour.

Ferry operator DFDS Seaways runs a daily 17:00 GMT service from North Shields, arriving in Ijmuiden, the Netherlands, at 08:30 GMT (09:30 local time).

According to its website, the 26-year-old MS King Seaways has room for more than 1,500 passengers and 600 cars. It was renovated in 2006.

It offers entertainment including restaurants, bars, a nightclub and a casino.

Were you a passenger on the ferry? Do you know anyone who was on board? Please tell us your story using the form below.

Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.

Read the terms and conditions

Posted by at No comments:

Kerslake 'uninterested' in Cardiff job

28 December 2013 Last updated at 22:02

Cardiff's David Kerslake does not want to replace Malky Mackay

Cardiff City caretaker manager David Kerslake says he does not want the job permanently but expects to be in charge for their next game with Arsenal.

Kerslake took control for Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Sunderland after the club sacked Malky Mackay on Friday.

"I was asked by the chairman [Mehmet Dalman] to take the team on a temporary basis," said Kerslake.

"With all respect I wouldn't be interested in this job because I love being a coach."

Continue reading the main story

"With all respect I wouldn't be interested in this job because I love being a coach"

David Kerslake Cardiff City caretaker manager

Cardiff are understood to want a new manager in place as quickly as possible and hope to have someone appointed before their FA Cup third-round tie at Newcastle United on 4 January.

Former Manchester United and Norway striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, currently in charge of Molde, is thought to be Cardiff's preferred choice to take over as permanent manager.

Until then Kerslake says he expects to be in charge, adding: "No-one's told me I won't be in charge for Arsenal [on New Year's Day]."

Kerslake, who followed Mackay to Cardiff from Watford when the Scot was appointed in 2011, says his former boss understands his decision to stay on at the Welsh club.

"It's the nature of the business and I've been in it a long time now, so you just get on with it," said Kerslake.

"Of course [there's mixed feelings] but Malky understands football as well. We'll deal with this and we'll move on.

It seemed as though Kerslake's first game in charge would end in victory after Jordon Mutch and Fraizer Campbell struck to give Cardiff a healthy 2-0 lead against Sunderland.

But the Black Cats, bottom of the Premier League and four points behind their hosts, staged a remarkable recovery in the last few minutes of the game at Cardiff City Stadium as goals from Steven Fletcher and Jack Colback earned them a point.

Kerslake admitted the off-field upheavals could have unsettled the Cardiff players, but was proud of the way in which they responded on the pitch.

"They're only human, they've probably been on the phone and talking about it but they've come out of the traps today; they certainly put that behind them." he said.

"We asked for a fast start, get on the front foot, but that's something they've been used to - the previous manager has asked that from them and they've come out all guns blazing.

"Certainly for the first 35-40 minutes we blew Sunderland away, but second half Gus [Sunderland boss Poyet] has sort of reshaped his team and they had the lion's share of possession and put us under the cosh.

"The disappointing thing in the second half is that we didn't keep the ball as well as we should have and took the sting out of the game... we should have dealt with that.

"We dropped and dropped and dropped, we were trying to get up the pitch, but we were still 2-0 with eight minutes to go and we've conceded a poor goal."

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)