Dutch Freighter Sinks after Colliding with LNG Tanker in the North Sea

zoom A Dutch general cargo ship sank early Tuesday morning after colliding with an LNG tanker in the North Sea, some 6 miles off the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, Netherlands Coastguard reports. The crew of 11 from the sunken 9,000 dwt freighter Flinterstar has been safely plucked from the cold waters of the North Sea, with one person being treated for hypothermia. The 2002-built Flinterstar is reportedly leaking oil which is spreading in a north-northeast direction. The spill is being tackled by Belgian authorities. The Marshall Islands-flagged LNG tanker Al-Oraiq was towed to the port of Zeebrugge with no water ingress or leaks reported thus far. The Western Schelt estuary, connecting the port of Antwerp with the North Sea, is partially obstructed in both directions. The investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing. World Maritime News Staff