MARITIME ACCIDENT: How British freighter sank after collision with Polish bulk carrier in North Sea

By Our Correspondent

A General cargo ship VERITY collided with bulk carrier POLESIE at around 0300 UTC October 24, 2023 in German Bight some 16 nm north of Langeoog Island, East Frisian Islands, while moving on crossing courses, according to FleetMon.

It stated: “VERITY was en route from Bremen to Immingham, POLESIE is en route from Hamburg to La Coruna Spain. VERITY sank soon after collision, last AIS was received at around 0315 UTC, POLESIE stopped and as of 0840 UTC is probably, taking part in SAR operation.

“There is a number of rescue and auxiliary boats and vessels, and cruise ship, in the area, engaged in SAR. 1 crew of VERITY was rescued; several others remain missing – exact number of crew not yet known, but hardly more than 10.

“Looks like VERITY was to give way to POLESIE, but didn’t turn in time to avoid collision. POLESIE responded too late to avoid collision.”