Crew members missing after British cargo ship in crash in North Sea

A British cargo ship has reportedly sunk off the coast of Germany following a collision, with several people missing as rescuers search for survivors.

Two cargo ships crashed into each other in the North Sea, according to German authorities.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the early morning about 14 nautical miles south-west of the island of Helgoland, Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said.

The British-flagged Verity, apparently sank, while the Polesie remains waterborne with its 22 passengers.

One person was rescued from the water and is being given medical treatment, while rescue parties are searching for several more people who remain unaccounted for.

The search operation currently includes a rescue cruiser, police boats, sensor aircraft and a helicopter among other vessels.

The emergency command said the 300ft British ship was headed from Bremen, Germany, to the English port of Immingham.

The P&O cruise ship Iona is among those that have joined the search, alongside the rescue cruisers ‘Hermann Marwede’ and ‘Bernhard Gruben’.

It is said to have doctors on board who are able to treat people if needed, while more medical personnel are being taken to the scene by helicopter.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: “P&O Cruises Iona is currently involved in a search and rescue operation off the coast of Germany.

“The incident is ongoing and Iona’s cooperation complies with international maritime law as well as being consistent with the company’s moral and legal obligations.

“Iona is scheduled to be at sea today and this event should have no impact upon tomorrow’s scheduled call to Rotterdam or the onward itinerary.”

Source: The Independent