A large ship ran aground off Southend yesterday (Tuesday) when its anchor failed.

The bulk carrier became stuck in mud near the Zulu southern anchorage, not far from the Southend coastline, shortly after 9pm. The ship, called Nestor C, was 200m long and weighed 22,465 tonnes.

A coastguard spokesman said: "By 11pm the tide had risen and the ship was able to continue its journey to Margate."

Meanwhile, workmen were called to repair a broken wire hanging down from a telegraph pole in Shipwright's Drive, Benfleet, on Thursday.

A tree was also brought down in Rectory Road, Hockley at about 3.30am this morning and council workmen were called to the scene.

The Dartford river crossing was closed temporarily in the early hours of this morning after police reported winds of more than 60mph.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.