Ship Collision Blocks Belgian Port

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, August 13, 2003

Ship Collision Blocks Belgian Port

Two cargo ships transporting cars collided near the Belgian port of Antwerp on Wednesday, blocking all shipping to and from Europe's second largest port, a spokeswoman said.

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Two cargo ships transporting cars collided near the Belgian port of Antwerp on Wednesday, blocking all shipping to and from Europe's second largest port, a spokeswoman said.

Both ships, the Italian Grande Nigeria and a Panamanian peer, were still afloat on the Westerschelde River outside Antwerp, spokeswoman Ann Wittemans told Reuters.

There were no injuries.

The collision occurred as one ship entered the port while the other was leaving Antwerp but the nature of the accident was still unclear.

"It's a supposition but it's likely to be a rudder problem," Antwerp port captain Koen Devriese told VRT radio, as both vessels were involved in a frontal collision.

It was not yet clear how long Antwerp port was likely to remain blocked.

Both ships are about 200 meters long and Devriese said they both were likely to be carrying thousands of cars.

He said the ships had to be towed away as soon as possible.

Source: Agencies

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