Eighteen of the ship’s 22-strong crew, mainly Filippinos, have been brought to safety so far.

The 27,300-dwt vessel hit rocks at the northern coast of Andros at 2334 GMT on Tuesday, according to a coastguard statement.

Winds of nine to ten on the Beaufort scale were blowing in the area, making it difficult for rescue helicopters to approach the ship. ”There has been inflow of water,” the coastguard said, without providing further details.

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