Two ships collide outside Ostend

23 May 2005

BRUSSELS – Two cargo ships collided in waters off the North Sea port of Ostend on Monday, causing no injuries but damaging the hulls of both vessels, according to The Associated Press and Belga news agencies.

The ships were on their way to Antwerp when they hit each other, coast guard spokesman Jacques Loncke told the Flemish-language VRT network.

Authorities investigated the damage and the ships were expected to travel on to Antwerp later.

“It is quite possible that they will be able to continue on their way after repairs. We certainly have to check no oil is leaking,” said Loncke.

The two Panamanian-registered vessels collided outside of Belgian territorial waters, but the Belgian maritime police took charge of the investigation.

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Subject: Belgian News