UK Coast Guard, Royal Navy responding to vessel explosion off Cornwall

The UK Coastguard on October 4 said it was responding to an explosion aboard a dredging vessel two nautical miles South of Dodman Point, Cornwall.

Several persons were injured in the explosion, according to the UK Coast Guard.

The service only said the vessel in question was a dredger without providing more specific information. It is believed that a compressed air cylinder exploded.

A Royal Navy Fleet Auxiliary ship and a Fishery Protection vessel are also on scene assisting while the Newquay Coastguard helicopter and the Falmouth Lifeboat Station are currently on scene evacuating the casualties to Derriford Hospital.

The service said more information would be available once the ongoing operation is concluded.