Fishing Vessel and Tanker Collide

Humber Coastguard received a MAY DAY call from the 13 metre fishing vessel Aquarius reporting they were taking in water with 3 persons on board approximately 16 miles East of Amble. Aquarius reported that they had been involved in a collision moments earlier with the 56,000 Tonne Bahamian tanker Alpha Germania, which was in ballast and on passage to Teesport. Humber Coastguard requested the launch of RNLI Amble Lifeboat and the Rescue Helicopter from RAF Boulmer, which is standing by with Coastguard pumping equipment. A near by fishing vessel called Rejoice attended the scene and has secured a tow line to Aquarius which has lost all steering but is not sinking. Aquarius is now under tow by Rejoice and will return to their home port of Amble under escort of Amble Lifeboat and to be met by Amble Coastguard Rescue Team once in harbour. The tanker Alpha Germania has been released and is now continuing passage to Teesport. The tanker is reported to be undamaged. The incident has been reported to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, (MAIB).