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Seacat collides with cargo ship Seacat collides with cargo ship
(about 1 hour later)
An operation is under way to pump water from a passenger ferry which collided with a cargo ship on the River Mersey.An operation is under way to pump water from a passenger ferry which collided with a cargo ship on the River Mersey.
None of the 294 passengers on board were injured in the accident which involved the Sea Express One vessel and the Alaska Rainbow.None of the 294 passengers on board were injured in the accident which involved the Sea Express One vessel and the Alaska Rainbow.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet's Sea Express, which travels between the island and Liverpool is now at Pier Head. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's Sea Express, which travels between the island and Liverpool is now at the Pier Head.
Water is being pumped from the engine room and about 80 cars remain on board.Water is being pumped from the engine room and about 80 cars remain on board.
Liverpool Coastguard was dispatched to the scene of the accident, which happened near Alfred Dock on Saturday lunchtime.Liverpool Coastguard was dispatched to the scene of the accident, which happened near Alfred Dock on Saturday lunchtime.
Two tugs, two lifeboats and a coastguard team were used to remove crew and passengers from the ferry.Two tugs, two lifeboats and a coastguard team were used to remove crew and passengers from the ferry.
The ferry was able to come into the dock, although it was taking on some water Merseyside Ambulance spokesman They put the fog horn on, but the next thing we knew there was a big crash Don SherryPassenger
A spokesman for Liverpool Coastguard said: "There were no injuries to any person on the vessels.A spokesman for Liverpool Coastguard said: "There were no injuries to any person on the vessels.
"All 294 passengers and crew disembarked safely."All 294 passengers and crew disembarked safely.
"It is believed there is some damage to the Sea Express One, which our officers are currently investigating.""It is believed there is some damage to the Sea Express One, which our officers are currently investigating."
He added that the cargo ship was now at anchor and may return to port tomorrow for an inspection.He added that the cargo ship was now at anchor and may return to port tomorrow for an inspection.
A Merseyside Ambulance spokesman said: "The first reports at the scene were that a tanker had hit the stern of a ferry. A Merseyside Ambulance spokesman said that all passengers were evacuated and there were no injuries.
Engine overhaul The port side of the ship's bridge is dented, with several windows smashed.
"We were called to the Pier Head. The ferry was able to come into the dock, although it was taking on some water. Passengers have been warned that some of the vehicles on the ship may have been damaged in the crash.
"All passengers have been evacuated from the ferry, there were no injuries and no-one has been taken to hospital. Don Sherry, 50, from Poole, Dorset, who was a passenger on The Sea Express 1 with his 81-year-old mother.
"As far as we are aware there are no injuries where the tanker is concerned." All the passengers disembarked safely (pic sent in by BBC News website user Paul Freeman)
He said that the cargo ship crashed into the ferry in heavy fog just a few minutes from docking at Liverpool.
He said: "We came into the Mersey and we hit a very big fog bank. "They put the fog horn on, but the next thing we knew there was a big crash.
"All we felt was a big scraping noise and the ship suddenly lunged. "It wasn't that bad, no one fell over and as far as I know no one has been hurt at all."
Mr Sherry said all the passengers remained very calm. "No one was screaming, everyone was very together and the staff were brilliant."
He said people were told to put on their life jackets.
The ferry was towed to shore by rescue teams and passengers allowed to disembark.
The Sea Express One, which is 16 years old, underwent an engine overhaul at Birkenhead, Merseyside, last year.The Sea Express One, which is 16 years old, underwent an engine overhaul at Birkenhead, Merseyside, last year.
It is currently operating the route usually sailed by the Superseacat Two, which is undergoing maintenance work.It is currently operating the route usually sailed by the Superseacat Two, which is undergoing maintenance work.