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

The crew of the Victoria VI called Dover Coastguard early on Thursday morning reporting they had 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 while repairs were carried out by the ship's crew.

Several hours later the ship was towed to an area off Margate where repairs could continue in safety.

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