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Cargo ship feared lost after collision off Dutch coast Cargo ship feared lost after collision off Dutch coast
(35 minutes later)
Dutch coastguards are mounting a major rescue operation in the North Sea after a cargo ship is reported to have sunk after a collision.Dutch coastguards are mounting a major rescue operation in the North Sea after a cargo ship is reported to have sunk after a collision.
The accident took place around 100km (60 miles) off the coast of Rotterdam in an important shipping lane. The accident took place around 100km (60 miles) off the coast of Rotterdam.
A coastguard spokesman said helicopters were winching the 24 crew members of the Baltic Ace to safety.A coastguard spokesman said helicopters were winching the 24 crew members of the Baltic Ace to safety.
Three lifeboats and two helicopters are assisting the rescue. Three lifeboats and two helicopters are assisting the rescue, and two naval frigates are also reported to be heading for the scene.
Dutch media are reporting that two naval frigates are also steaming towards the scene. High waves and strong wind are hampering rescue operations, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
The Baltic Ace was sailing under a Bahamas flag. It was transporting cars from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Finland when it collided with the Cyprus-registered container ship, the Corvus J, sailing from Grangemouth in Scotland to the Belgian port of Antwerp.The Baltic Ace was sailing under a Bahamas flag. It was transporting cars from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Finland when it collided with the Cyprus-registered container ship, the Corvus J, sailing from Grangemouth in Scotland to the Belgian port of Antwerp.
There is no word on the condition of the Cyrus J. The Cyrus J is said to be badly damaged but not in danger of sinking, AP news agency reported.
The shipping lane where the accident happened is one of the busiest in the North Sea, close to the entrance to Rotterdam port, which is Europe's busiest.The shipping lane where the accident happened is one of the busiest in the North Sea, close to the entrance to Rotterdam port, which is Europe's busiest.