A GIANT cargo vessel weighing 56,000 tonnes almost drifted into Gravesend pier when its engines lost power.

The 214-metre-long Grande Brasile was on route to Tilbury docks when it got into difficulties and began drifting on the current towards the landmark at about 4.45pm on Thursday.

The Svitzer tug boats escorting it called in help from two others and the team eventually pulled the huge vessel back into safer waters, before towing it away at 7pm.

At one time it was thought staff and patrons at Riva, the restaurant and bar on the pier, would have to be evacuated as the ship drifted nearer, but police called off the move as it was pulled to safety.