The search for four crew members who went missing after two cargo ships collided off the coast of Germany has been called off. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning when the British-flagged cargo ship, Verity, collided with another vessel named Polesie, approximately 14 miles southwest of the island of Heligoland in the North Sea.
Tragically, one person lost their life in the collision, while two others were rescued and taken to the hospital. Despite the efforts of rescue ships and aircraft involved in the search, the four missing crew members could not be located on Tuesday.
Divers were sent down to the wreckage of the Verity to search for any signs of life but were unsuccessful in their attempts. The water temperature during the collision was approximately 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit), and based on past experience, it was estimated that individuals could potentially survive for about 20 hours in such conditions.
Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies reported that the entire search area was thoroughly examined overnight without any results. Consequently, the decision was made to halt the search and rescue operations. The German Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, in collaboration with the Isle of Man Ship Registry, confirmed that four crew members from the Verity remain unaccounted for.
The Isle of Man Ship Registry expressed their condolences and sympathies, stating that they are saddened by the outcome and that their thoughts are with the missing crew members, their families, friends, and loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did the collision between the two cargo ships happen?
The collision occurred when the British-flagged Verity collided with another vessel named Polesie in the North Sea.
2. How many crew members were on board the Verity?
There were seven crew members aboard the Verity at the time of the incident.
3. Was anyone rescued?
Two crew members were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
4. How long were the search and rescue operations conducted?
The search and rescue operations lasted for several hours but were called off when the missing crew members could not be located.
5. What were the water conditions during the collision?
The water temperature at the time of the collision was approximately 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit).