Ferry Collides With Cargo Ship

A Passenger ferry carrying 294 people collided with a cargo ship on the River Mersey but no one was injured. The collision, which happened shortly before midday at the entrance to Alfred Dock, involved the Sea Express 1 catamaran and the Alaska Rainbow cargo ship. The ferry covers the Liverpool to Isle of Man route. Liverpool Coastguard received a distress call at 11.54am and dispatched two tugs, two lifeboats and a coastguard team to rescue crew and passengers.Sea Express 1The Sea Express 1 was brought back to its berth at Pier Head, Liverpool, and all of the passengers and crew disembarked. A spokesman for Liverpool Coastguard said: "There were no injuries to any person on the vessels. All 294 passengers and crew disembarked safely. "It is believed there is some damage to the Sea Express 1, which our officers are currently investigating." Steve Cross, Liverpool Coastguard duty watch manager, said the Alaska Rainbow was at anchor and would return to port for an inspection.Alaska RainbowThe 74-metre Sea Express 1 is 16 years old. It was formerly known as the Seacat Isle of Man. It is managed by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. A Merseyside Ambulance spokesman said they were called to Liverpool Pierhead shortly after noon. He said: "The first reports at the scene were that a tanker had hit the stern of a ferry. The ferry was able to come into the dock, although it was taking on some water. "All passengers have been evacuated from the ferry. There were no injuries."