An oil slick already stretches 500 metres from RMS Mulheim

The 1,846-tonne RMS Mulheim was travelling from Cork to Lubeck, Germany, when she ran aground between Land's End and Sennen at 0500 GMT on Saturday.

The six-strong Polish crew were airlifted to safety by a rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose.

They were taken to the Sennen Cove Lifeboat Station, where they were treated for shock.

A spokesman for Falmouth coastguard said diesel fuel was still leaking from RMS Mulheim but she was not carrying harmful heavy fuel-oil.

Any spillage in our beautiful environment is to be very much regretted Environment Agency spokesman

The tanker was loaded with more than 2,200 tonnes of car scrap metal.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Cornwall County Council's emergency planning officers were dealing with the incident.

The Marine Accident Investigations Board were also informed.

A spokesman for Falmouth Coastguard said: "Salvors have been appointed and they will do what they can to get the vessel off.

Oil slick

"Gas oil is still leaking out, and presumably it will continue to do so until the tank is empty."

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said the situation was being closely monitored.

"Obviously any spillage in our beautiful environment is to be very much regretted," he said.

A slick is already stretching some 500 metres from the Mulheim into Gamper Bay, close to Sennen Cove.

Coastguards said sightseers should stay away from the scene because of the slick.