Germany’s rescue team suspends search for 4 missing sailors

(MENAFN) Rescue teams from Germany have suspended their search for four sailors who went missing following a collision between two cargo ships in the North Sea. The incident occurred about 22 kilometers (13 miles) southwest of Helgoland island, and it led to the sinking of the British-registered cargo vessel Verity. Tragically, one crew member was declared dead, while two individuals were successfully rescued. However, efforts to locate the remaining four sailors were halted, and the search will not be resumed.

Despite challenging weather conditions, ships and helicopters were deployed throughout the night in the search operation, but no further signs of survivors or the missing sailors were discovered, as reported by the German Sea Rescue Society (DGzRS).

The Verity, carrying a cargo of steel from Bremen, Germany, to Immingham, England, also had 1,300 cubic meters of fuel on board. Of its seven crew members, two were rescued, one was found deceased, and four remain unaccounted for. The exact cause of the collision remains unknown.

The Verity, owned by the British company Faversham, collided with the smaller cargo vessel Polesie, a 190-meter ship owned by the Polish company Polsteam, sailing under the flag of the Bahamas. The Polesie was en route from Hamburg to La Coruna, Spain, with its 22 crew members fortunately escaping unharmed.

After participating in the search operation for the missing sailors, the Polesie docked in Cuxhaven, northwest Germany. The incident highlights the dangers and complexities of maritime navigation and the challenges involved in search and rescue efforts at sea.

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