A car carrier has been towed out of a busy shipping lane in the Channel off Dover after suffering technical problems.

The crew of the Victoria VI called Dover Coastguard early on Thursday morning reporting that they were broken down and anchored with a broken crankshaft bearing.

The Coastguard tug Anglian Monarch went to the aid of the ship in the approaches of the south west lane of the Dover Strait Traffic Separation Scheme.

Warnings were broadcast to other vessels whilse repairs were being effected to the vessel by the ship's crew.

After several hours of working on the mechanical problem the Master was instructed to take a tow by the Coastguard tug under the Powers of Intervention. The tug towed the ship to an area off Margate where repairs could continue in safety.

The Victoria VI is a car carrier of 4500 gt and was on passage from Antwerp to Alexandria and is registered under the Danish flag.

Hugh Shaw, Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention, said: "Although the weather was favourable and visibility was good, there was concern that due to the high density of shipping transiting the area, there was a risk of collision which could have resulted in significant pollution and disruption.

"It was therefore decided to remove the threat by towing the vessel to a place of safety outside the main shipping lanes."