Holyhead Coastguard was advised by Holyhead Harbour Control at just after 9:30 a.m. on 10 February, that there was a disabled cargo vessel off Anglesey.

Holyhead Coastguard quickly established contact with the disabled cargo vessel 'Spruttenberg', a Cypriot registered, 2265 GT vessel with 7 crew on board, and found that the vessel had experienced a gearbox failure which had resulted in the vessel's propulsion system being jammed 'astern'.

Holyhead Coastguard made contact with 'Spruttenberg's' owners, Vega of Hamburg and their underwriters, Samuel Stewarts of London. By 11:40 a.m. the underwriters had confirmed that the tug 'Yewgarth' from Liverpool had been tasked to assist 'Spruttenberg' and was expected on scene at around 7:00 p.m. that evening.

At half past two it was confirmed that the tug 'Yewgarth' had left the Mersey and was underway. In the meantime Holyhead Coastguard monitored 'Spruttenberg's' position closely, which at this point was approximately 17 miles south of the Isle of Man and 22 miles north of Anglesey.

'Spruttenberg' was under tow by 8:50 p.m. that evening and on her way to Liverpool, she was expected to dock at Alexandra dock early next morning (11th February).

Ray Carson, Deputy District Controller at Holyhead Coastguard said, "Weather conditions throughout the day were atrocious with a southerly gale blowing, as well as rough seas and poor visibility. The duty Regional Inspector was kept updated at regular intervals and we will continue to monitor 'Spruttenberg's' progress throughout the night.