Three Missing After Dutch Security Vessel Sinks in Collision With Fishing Trawler

This screenshot shows the last position recorded for Maria in the North Sea. AIS provided by MarineTraffic.

A search is underway in the North Sea for three missing from a standby security vessel that sank Monday morning following a collision with a fishing trawler.

The AFP, citing the Dutch Coast Guard, reported that the accident happened at around 1:30 am (1130 GMT) when the 32-meter Maria, deployed to guard an oil drilling platform about 24 miles southwest of the Dutch navy port of Den Helder, collided with fishing trawler Texel 68.

Two of Maria’s five crew were rescued by other vessels in the area. The three missing are feared to have been trapped inside the vessel when it sank shortly following the collision.

The Dutch Coast Guard has deployed at least two vessels and a helicopter to assist in the search operation.

Maria is flagged in the Netherlands however reports say that her crew were not Dutch.

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