Fuel Leak As Ship Hits The Rocks Off Scotland

A container ship on its way to Norway has run aground off the Scottish coast and is leaking fuel.

An operation is under way to contain any risk of pollution and free Lysblink Seaways, which has nine people on board.

The alarm was raised at around 1.50am on Wednesday when the vessel became stuck off Kilchoan, north of the Isle of Mull, in the West Highlands.

The ship, thought to be carrying paper, did not refloat at high tide at 4.35am.

Tugs are expected to try to free the vessel and the Tobermory lifeboat is at the scene. So far, no-one has been reported injured.

An emergency towing vessel will try to refloat the stranded ship

A spokesman for the RNLI said: "Tobermory RNLI's volunteer crew launched the Severn class lifeboat, Elizabeth Fairlie Ramsey, shortly after 3am to go to the aid of the vessel which was hard aground on rocks close to the ferry slipway.

"On arriving at the scene, the lifeboat crew established that whilst the vessel had sustained damage and was taking on some water, it was not in imminent danger of sinking. There are no reports of any injuries to the crew."

The ship was travelling from Belfast to Skogn in Norway when it ran aground.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has sent emergency towing vessel Heracles to the scene.

It is expected to arrive at around 2am on Thursday.

The RNLI is helping with the operation

The vessel's owners have appointed a salvage company and a commercial tug, which is thought to be heading to the area from Greenock, Inverclyde.

A MCA spokesperson told Sky News: "Counter pollution measures are in place as there is a small amount of fuel leaking from the vessel.

"Currently, there is a light sheen on the water's surface [measuring] two by two metres.

"An assessment will be made early this evening with regard to what course of action should be taken with regard to moving the vessel."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teenager Re-Arrested Over Schoolboy Death

Police investigating the death of Oisin McGrath have re-arrested a 17-year-old on suspicion of manslaughter.

The teenager, a pupil at the same Enniskillen school as Oisin, was questioned by officers before being released on bail pending further enquiries.

The 13-year-old from Belcoo, County Fermanagh, died in hospital three days after an altercation at St Michael's College.

On medical advice, his parents decided to withdraw their teenage son's life support and donate his organs for transplant.

Father Seamus Quinn paid tribute to Oisin, a budding musician and sportsman, at his funeral on Sunday.

Video: Hundreds Attend Schoolboy's Funeral

"He was forever smiling, a big wide happy grin etched on his face," he said.

"He was a natural, unaffected young lad, quiet and easy to be with, the kind of smile that drew the best out of you, whether you were young or old.

"Because of his parents' incredibly selfless and faith-based decision, Oisin's falling on the ground and dying like a grain of wheat has brought life to five other human beings."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Energy: Big Six Profit From Switching Failure

A competition inquiry into the energy market has found suppliers routinely charging loyal customers up to £234 more per year.

The Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) update on its continuing probe into the sector also contained criticism of the energy regulator's powers - as reported by Sky News on Tuesday evening - saying excessive regulation at Ofgem may be creating barriers to new market entrants.

The key finding in the CMA's updated Issues Statement for consumers concerned the power of switching supplier, with the regulator declaring that long-term customers - many deemed vulnerable - were paying a higher price for failing to move between energy companies.

It said 95% of dual fuel customers of the so-called big six suppliers could have saved an average of between £158 and £234 a year by switching.

It found British Gas, SSE, Scottish Power, E.ON, npower and EDF, earned 12% more from a customer on a standard - instead of fixed - dual fuel tariff.

Video: Should You Trust Comparison Sites?

The report stated: "The evidence that we have seen to date also suggests that the gross margins that the six large energy firms earn are higher for customers on the SVT (Standard Variable Tariff) than for those on non-standard tariffs over the last three years." 

While the Issues Statement does not contain any formal conclusions by the CMA, the ongoing designation of industry regulation as a key focus will embarrass Ofgem at a time when its leadership is under intense political pressure.

Labour has vowed to freeze prices for 20 months if it wins the General Election in May, a pledge which sparked fury among big six suppliers.

They recently cut standard gas tariffs by up to 5.1% in response to a 30% dip in wholesale prices but argue raw energy makes up less than 50% of a bill and they have to pay up to three years up front for their supplies.

They point to the growing cost of green levies and network costs.

Crucially for the big six suppliers, the CMA found that their average profit margin across gas and electricity was 3.3%, with gas being the more profitable of the two.

But the report questions whether the market is working for consumers as almost half of households have been with the same supplier for more than 10 years.

This week, the Government launched a campaign with the slogan "Power To Switch", which is designed to encourage consumers to shop around to find cheaper energy deals.

Provisional findings of the CMA's inquiry will be published in May.

It is expected to stop short of recommending that the big six firms split their generation and supply arms - as some critics have demanded - to give greater clarity on profits.

Energy UK, the industry body which speaks for suppliers, said: "The energy industry continues to support the work of the Competition and Markets Authority and has already introduced a range of voluntary measures, moving towards greater openness and transparency.

"Today is the next stage in the process with conclusions expected later this year.

The industry will review today's releases over the coming weeks with a view to engaging further with the investigation. Individual members will be able to contribute to the debate as the rest of the investigation progresses."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

River Search Continues For Missing Boy, 11

A major search for an 11-year-old boy who is believed to have fallen into a river in Wales is continuing "in hope".

Emergency services were alerted just before 4pm on Tuesday after the boy, who has not been identified, fell into the River Towy in the Tanerdy area of Carmarthen.

Police, firefighters, a coastguard rescue team, the Ferryside inshore lifeboat crew and an RAF Sea King rescue helicopter are all at the scene.

Inspector Eric Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police said around 50 people were involved.

He said officers were "fairly confident" the boy had gone into the water.

"We are conducting a thorough search of the area and following every lead in order to find him," he said.

"Our plan for today is to work more closely with other services who bring specialist skills and equipment in order to search the river.

"Searching a river is difficult with fast flowing water, tidal waters and dark pools."

The boy's family is being supported by officers.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said the search resumed at first light.

She said: "We have coastguard rescue teams from Llansteffan, Tenby and Burry Port and the RAF rescue helicopter has been part of the search and rescue," she said.

Boats from the Mid Wales Fire and Rescue Service are also taking part, alongside an independent rescue crew from Ferryside.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Race Row Chelsea Fans May Face Match Ban

Police are investigating whether any of the Chelsea fans who were filmed stopping a black man getting on a train in Paris can be banned from football.

The club has condemned the behaviour of the supporters as "abhorrent".

They are believed to have been travelling to the city's Parc des Princes stadium for a game against Paris Saint Germain.

The Metropolitan Police said it was aware of the incident and was working with the French authorities.

The Parc des Princes stadium in Paris

The force said: "We will examine the footage with a view to seeing if we can apply for football banning orders, preventing people from travelling from future matches."

Footage uploaded to The Guardian's website shows the commuter trying to board a metro train at Richelieu-Drouot station in the French capital.

Video: Chelsea Fan: It Was Self-Defence

A group of supporters are seen shouting and gesturing at the man and chanting "Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea", before pushing him onto the platform as he tries to step into the carriage.

When he tries again to board the train, the man points to a space where he could stand but is pushed back as he steps forward.

The fans then chant: "We're racist, we're racist, and that's the way we like it."

The supporters are also heard chanting: "Where were you in World War Two?"

British expatriate Paul Nolan, who filmed the incident, said: "He was obviously completely shocked when they pushed him off.

"I don't think he realised who they were. He then tried to get on again and got pushed off a second time."

The club said it would take action if members are found to have been involved.

It said: "We will support any criminal action against those involved, and should evidence point to involvement of Chelsea season-ticket holders or members the club will take the strongest possible action against them, including banning orders."

A Chelsea fan who was there defended the actions of the group, insisting they were chanting about club captain John Terry and that other passengers were blocked from getting on.

Video: Chelsea Fans Condemn Paris Racists

Mitchell McCoy said: "I'm not in the video but I'm on the carriage. We got on the train and at the station where the man was trying to get on we stopped for a couple of minutes.

"He tried to get on and a few people were pushing him off because there wasn't much space on the carriage. You couldn't move.

"People were saying it was because he was black. It's not true at all."

Mr McCoy, 17, who said he was not singing the song, said it was about Terry, who was banned for four matches and fined £220,000 by the Football Association for racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand in 2011.

The regulatory commission which ruled on the case stated that the Chelsea captain was "not a racist".

Kick It Out chairman Lord Ouseley condemned the fans' behaviour and said the anti-discrimination body would support any prosecutions.

UEFA, European football's governing body, also condemned the incident, but said it was out of its remit because it happened away from the stadium.

A French police spokesman said it had received no complaints.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boy And Girl, Both 16, Held In Terror Arrests

Anti-terror police have arrested a boy and a girl, both aged 16, in raids in Mossley, Greater Manchester.

Police said searches were continuing at addresses in Hanover Street and Spring Mill Drive, Mossley.

The teenagers were arrested on Monday on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

They are being held in police custody.

Chief Superintendent Caroline Ball said: "I know news of an arrest made under terrorism legislation in this community will cause a certain amount of anxiety and people will understandably have questions.

"What I want to stress very clearly is that this investigation is in no way linked to any sort of international terrorist plot nor have we recovered any evidence to suggest the community of Mossley is at risk.

"This investigation has arisen as a result of information from law enforcement agencies so it is prudent we act on that information and carry out a thorough, professional investigation to determine the circumstances and details of the activity reported."

She said the searches would last several days but said people should interpret the ongoing police activity as reason to be reassured rather than concerned.

Chief Supt Ball added: "Again I would stress there is no current threat to either the Mossley community or wider and there is no reason to be unduly worried.

"If anyone is concerned, please approach one of local officers who will be happy to speak to you."

Anyone with concerns about suspicious activity can contact police or the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789321.

:: Meanwhile, a Stoke-on-Trent man has been arrested on suspicion of encouraging terrorism and supporting a proscribed organisation. The 29-year-old's arrest relates to suspected online postings which reference the Islamic State.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Britons Shortlisted For One-Way Trip To Mars

Five Britons have been shortlisted for a controversial space project to establish a permanent settlement on Mars.

The candidates have been chosen from more than 200,000 applicants for the privately-funded one-way mission due to blast off in 2024.

The project is being organised by Dutch entrepreneur Bars Lansdorp who claims the citizen astronauts will grow their own food and be protected from radiation by a "hollow water tank".

A rover will first be deployed on the planet in 2020 to chose a location where the soil contains enough water and there is enough sunlight to power the settlement.

Hannah Earnshaw is among the British candidates

Mr Lansdorp said: "The brightest young minds of our planet are being invited to participate in Mars One's first Mars lander. We do this to inspire students to believe that anything is possible." 

But suspicious critics believe the mission is a publicity stunt to raise revenue for a reality television series produced by Big Brother producer Endemol.

Video: Mars Mission Official Trailer

Australian journalist Elmo Keep told Sky News: "200,000 people did not apply; 2,071 paid the registration fee.

"According to the dozens of people I interviewed over the course of a year for the story, there is scant-to-no proof Mars One has any capability to make it real."

A Mars One statement released earlier said: "Endemol-owned Darlow Smithson Productions (DSP) will exclusively follow the selection and training of the world's first one day astronauts to Mars."

But a DSP spokesperson told Sky News they had pulled out of the project after failing to reach agreement on the details of the contract.

Research carried out at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggests a manned mission to Mars would see the crew die within 68 days.

But Hannah Earnshaw, a 23-year-old astronomy student at Durham University, is among the Britons on the shortlist and said the trip was "really appealing".

"My family is pretty thrilled. They're really happy for me," she said. "Obviously it's going to be challenging, leaving Earth and not coming back.

"I've had support from my friends and family and we can still communicate via the internet."

Ms Earnshaw said she was "not surprised" there was scepticism about the project which she said was "definitely feasible".

But International Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield said candidates would be disappointed.

Speaking to US magazine Matter he said: "There's a great self-defeating optimism in the way this project has been set up.

"I fear it's going to be a little disillusioning for people because it's presented as if it's going to happen and so all those people are excited."

Challenged over the likelihood of the project getting off the ground, in 2012 Mr Lansdorp rejected claims the mission was a stunt.

"If you look at the team involved in Mars One, none of us would do this as a hoax," he said.

Mars One were unavailable for comment when contacted by Sky News.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Two Men Held Over Fatal Tipper Truck Crash

The driver of a tipper truck which struck and killed four people has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Philip Potter, 19, from Brinkworth in Wiltshire, was moving sand and gravel in Bath on 9 February when the truck hit and killed Mitzi Rosanna Steady, 4.

Her grandmother was also hit and remains in critical condition in hospital.

The 32-tonne truck allegedly went on to hit a number of other vehicles before overturning on to a Volvo at the bottom of a hill, killing the three men inside.

They were Robert Parker, 59, from Cwmbran, electricity company director and father of two Philip Allen, 52, and recently-married taxi driver Stephen Vaughan, 34, both from Swansea.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they had arrested Mr Potter, who is also being held on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence for the same incident, and a 28-year-old man.

The 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing manslaughter by gross negligence.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Inflation At Record Low Of 0.3% In January

The annual rate of inflation has eased to a record low of 0.3% and is on course to fall further, boosting consumer spending power after years of weak wage growth.

The Office for National Statistics estimated the CPI measure of inflation was at its lowest since 1960 as plunging oil prices and a supermarket price war dominated overall price growth last month.

Its figures meant a basket of goods and services that cost £100 in January 2014 would have been just 30p more last month, though the ONS said the fall in inflation would have been sharper but for a softer slowdown in the fall of clothing prices.

The supermarket price war saw food and non-alcoholic beverage prices fall by 2.5% year on year, the steepest rate on records going back to 1997.

It was driven by a 3.5% fall in the cost of milk as two-pint carton costs plunged.

Video: Action Promised On Weak Inflation

Transport costs fell by 2.8% year on year, the steepest rate on record, as fuel costs dived by 16.2%.

Separate figures from the ONS, due to be released tomorrow, are expected to show annual wage rises remaining above 1.5% - easily outpacing inflation - leaving households with more cash as salaries rise and living costs ease.

The Bank of England last week forecast that the UK could even see negative inflation in the coming months, as energy bill reductions start to be fully realised in the figures, with inflation rebounding later this year.

Governor Mark Carney said that should it become clear that a more entrenched period of falling prices - deflation - was looming, then the Bank would take action to prevent the possibility of economic activity dropping off.

Deflation is seen as bad news because consumers and businesses put off purchases in the hope goods and services will be cheaper in future.

Chancellor George Osborne said: "Today we see the lowest CPI inflation ever - a milestone for the British economy.

"It's great news for families, whose budgets will stretch even further. It shows that those who went around predicting a cost of living crisis were plain wrong.

"And it demonstrates the clear choice between a long-term economic plan that's delivering stability and rising living standards, and the chaos of the alternatives.

"Although the low inflation is, as the Bank of England confirmed last week, driven by lower food and energy prices rather than damaging deflation, we will remain vigilant to all risks, particularly when the global economic situation is so uncertain."

Labour sought to distance the Government from taking any credit for falling prices.

Shadow treasury minister Cathy Jamieson MP said: "Inflation is falling around the world because global oil prices have plummeted.

"But in Britain wages continue to be sluggish and working people are £1,600 a year worse off under this government.

"A few months of falling world oil prices won't solve the deep-seated problems in our economy."

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man Accused Of Trying To Buy Ricin Online

A man accused of attempting to buy the chemical weapon ricin has been remanded in custody after appearing in court.

Mohammed Ammer Ali, from Liverpool, allegedly tried to buy 500mg of the deadly substance on the internet between 10 January and 12 February.

The 31-year-old was charged after the North West Counter Terrorism Unit and Merseyside Police launched an investigation.

He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the three-minute hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, and will next appear at the Old Bailey on 13 March.

Ali's arrest came after officers searched five addresses in the Merseyside area on 11 February and seized a number of items.

A police spokesman stressed no information was uncovered to suggest a terrorist attack at home or abroad was imminent.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More