SALVAGE workers managed to free a cargo ship that collided with the wreck of a car transporter about 30 miles off Ramsgate early today (Karina Hodder writes).

The Dutch Antilles-registered Nicola hit the Tricolor shortly after midnight. The crews of three tug boats managed to pull her free seven hours later.

The Norwegian-registered Tricolor sank 30 miles east of Ramsgate on Saturday in thick fog. On board were nearly 3,000 luxury cars valued at about £30 million.

Bad weather has hampered efforts to salvage the Tricolor. It is lying just below the waterline in one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

The Dutch salvage team had marked the wreck with beacons, but this did not prevent a collision.

A full inspection is being carried out on the Nicola to ensure there is no risk of pollution before it is moved away from the site.