Several missing after ships collide off northern Germany

BERLIN

A British cargo ship capsized and sank after a collision in the North Sea, German authorities said on Tuesday.

The British-flagged ship Verity sank after colliding with the bulk carrier Polesie in the early hours of the day, about 12 nautical miles (14 miles) southwest of the island of Heligoland, the German Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said in a statement.

“One person has been rescued from the water and is receiving medical care. Several other people are currently missing,” the emergency command said, adding that a rescue operation was currently underway involving several patrol ships and helicopters.

German daily Bild reported that at least six crew members were missing after the collision between the two vessels.

The cargo ship Verity was on its way from Bremen, Germany to the British port of Immingham, according to authorities.