31 Jan 2006 - TEN of the 22 crew of a chemical tanker were rescued by St Peter Port lifeboat after a collision 28 miles north-west of Guernsey early this morning. The other 12 men from the ECE, which is registered in the Marshall Islands, were taken off by helicopter.

None was believed to be injured but reports suggested they were looking very drawn. Some were suffering from seasickness and exhaustion and were clearly in shock.

The 11,298 tonne ECE collided with the Polish bulk carrier General Grot-Rowecki.

It was carrying a cargo of about 10,000 tonnes of phosphoric acid - a chemical which disperses readily in water and is only mildly corrosive. It was not believed to pose a pollution risk.

‘We are looking at the consequences to the sea of any loss. A French tug is on the scene and attempting to tow the vessel,’ said harbour master Captain Peter Gill, shortly after 7am.

Guernsey lifeboat coxswain John Bougourd described it as a ‘pretty textbook’ operation.

‘Our prime objective was to get the people off. They were quite shaken,’ he said.

Those brought back to the island included the captain and chief engineer.

Shortly before 8am, the ECE was still afloat but was believed to be leaking and listing to port. A French tug, the Abeille Liberte, was at the scene to start a salvage operation.

All vessels are being advised to keep well clear of the area this morning.

‘Guernsey has the most reasonably reachable facilities and it was decided to bring ‘the seamen’ here. I’m not aware of any injuries. There was some seasickness and some are in shock and they have been handed over to St John Ambulance and the police for further care,’ said Captain Gill. ‘So far everything has gone as well as everybody could reasonably expect.’

‘It’s likely that the captain and chief engineer may be called back to the ship to assist in the management of the incident because they know the vessel far more intimately than anybody else.

‘Our first concern was for the people and that is now well in hand. The next concern is for the ship and the cargo. We will be rendering all assistance we possibly can.’

Various investigations were expected to be launched today, the main one managed by the French government.

St Peter Port Radio was advised of the collision in the north-east bound shipping lane at 2.09am today.

Guernsey and Alderney lifeboats were sent immediately to assist the vessels, one of which was listing to port.

Alderney’s lifeboat, the Roy Barker I, was released by the rescue authorities at 7.45 and was heading back to Braye.

Two helicopters from the UK’s south coast were also sent to the scene and one of them from Lee-on-Solent winched 12 crew from the vessel with the most severe damage.

They were taken to Guernsey Airport, arriving at 5.20am where the casualties were checked in an incident room. No injuries were discovered.

The Spirit of Guernsey went alongside and took off 10 crew and brought them back to St Peter Port, arriving shortly before 7am. Casualties were checked but none needed treatment and they were taken by police escort to a reception centre at St Margaret’s Lodge.

The Abeille Liberte arrived on the scene at 5.30am and made a salvage attempt on the abandoned vessel.

The French rescue centre Cross Jerbourg MRSC co-ordinated the operation.

The weather at the time was fine and clear and the sea was slight with a low swell.

Article by Nick Mollett, courtesy of www.thisguernsey.com