General cargo vessel PATRON suffered engine failure in the morning Feb 01 while proceeding in English Canal in northern direction with cargo of steel, en route from Taranto Italy to Antwerp Belgium. Grizs-Nez CROSS sent SAR tug ABEILLE LANGUEDOC to distressed vessel to prevent possible accidents in densely trafficked area. PATRON crew managed to fix problem, but failed to restart engine, Maritime Operation Center then decided, that towage is necessary. Vessel was taken on tow by ABEILLE LANGUEDOC (IMO 7710525) shortly after 2300 LT Feb 1, to be towed to Dunkirk. Caravan approached Dunkirk in the afternoon Feb 2, understood vessel is to be docked at Dunkirk.
