01/02/2006

Damaged tanker sinks following collision

A chemical tanker carrying 10,000 tonnes of phosphoric acid has sunk after colliding with another vessel yesterday.

The Ece suffered significant damage after colliding with the bulk carrier General Grot-Rowecki early on Tuesday morning.

The tanker had been heavily listing following the crash and French rescue workers had been hoping to tow the vessel to Le Havre.

The General Grot-Rowecki suffered only slight damage in the collision.

RAF Search and Rescue teams had joined their French counterparts to rescue twenty-two crew members on board the Ece yesterday.

All crew members were reported to be "safe and well".

The Ece's cargo of phosphoric acid had begun leaking after the collision. However, Fred Caygill, from the Maritime Coastguard Agency, said that it did not pose a pollution risk and would dissolve into the sea.

However, on Wednesday, Greenpeace warned that the fuel oil on board could have a "devastating effect" on marine life.

(KMcA)




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