A ship carrying 6,000 tonnes of chemicals is sinking off the coast of Brittany
after a collision with another vessel.

The YM Uranus was was carrying heavy Pygas, a chemical produced in ethylene manufacturing
which contains the industrial solvent benzene, when it was involved in a collision with a Panamanian bulk carrier 50 miles south-west of the island of Ouessant (Ushant).

The 120-metre Maltese-flagged vessel, which is managed by Glasgow-based V
Ships, was “taking on large amounts of water” according to Maritime
officials, and its 13-man crew have been airlifted to safety.

There was no immediate sign of pollution in the Channel and the vessel was
still afloat but listing significantly to port this morning.

Engineers are assessing whether the vessel can be stabilised or towed to port.

Image: MarineTraffic.com