When the roll-on-roll off ferry Riverdance was blown ashore near Blackpool on 1 February in heavy seas and force 10 winds, it was just the start of a protracted salvage operation in which weather conditions in the area have remained firmly in control.rnThe 6,041 grt, Bahamas registered vessel became the subject of a massive overnight rescue operation that started four miles off Fleetwood. Liverpool Coastguard coordinated the successful rescue of four passengers and ten of its crew, after Riverdance reported a 60° list when cargo shifted on board. An increasing list and fear of a total capsize made the rescue by three helicopters a difficult and extremely hazardous operation carried out whilst RNLI lifeboats from Lytham and Fleetwood stood by.
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