Search and rescue operation continues off German coast

Manx-registered cargo ship Verity sank yesterday

Four people are still missing from a Manx-registered cargo ship which has sunk off the coast of Germany.

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has released an updated statement, saying the Ship Registry’s thoughts are 'with the seafarers that sailed onboard the Verity, their families, friends and loved ones'.

The Verity was making a journey from Bremen to Immingham in Lincolnshire when it crashed into another vessel.

The ships, Polesie and Verity, collided at around 5am local time yesterday morning (Tuesday).

One person is confirmed to have died and two people have been rescued, while a P&O cruise ship's been helping with the rescue effort.

The latest statement from the Isle of Man Ship Registry confirms seven crew members were on board at the time of the crash.

The statement in full: 'The Isle of Man registered cargo ship Verity (IMO Number 9229178) sailed from the German port of Bremen at 20:00 hrs (local time) on 23rd October 2023 with seven crew members on board.

'At approximately 04:00 hours (local time) the Verity was involved in a collision with the Bahamian registered bulk carrier Polesie, following the collision the Verity sank and the Polesie remained afloat.

'This incident occurred in the sea area known as German Bight and the collision occurred South West of the Island of Heligoland.

'The German Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received the alarm just before 05:00 (Local time). The search and rescue operation was immediately initiated.

'The Isle of Man Ship Registry would like to pass on our heartfelt thanks to the six German Maritime Search and Rescue Service cruisers, namely the HERMANN MARWEDE, BERNHARD GRUBEN, ANNELIESE KRAMER, HERMANN RUDOLF MEYER, THEO FISCHER, NIS RANDERS and others involved in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

'The Ship Registry is deeply saddened to report that information received from German authorities includes confirmation of one seafarer fatality.

'Two seafarers have been rescued from the sea by the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service and transferred to hospital for emergency treatment and are currently reported as doing well.

'The search continues for four missing seafarers.

'The Isle of Man Ship Registry has a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) who will now conduct a casualty investigation into this tragic incident.

'The Ship Registry’s thoughts are with the seafarers that sailed onboard the Verity, their families, friends and loved ones.

'The Ship Registry will provide further information as and when it becomes available.'