JORK in an earlier guise.

Cargo vessel JORK sinks after colliding with platform
Coaster's hull bursts with swelling cargo, all crew safe

A cargo vessel sank this morning after striking the unmanned platform Viking Echo 40 miles north east of Cromer just before 6.00 pm yesterday evening.

The 95 metre 3,169 DWT general cargo vessel flying the Antigua & Barbuda flag had been travelling from Lubeck to New Holland East, carrying grain.

Standby vessels Putford Puffin and Putford Terminator steamed straight to the scene. The `Jork immediately began listing heavily to 30 degrees and 6 crew wearing lifejackets went into the sea. However they were quickly recovered to the daughter craft of the Putford Puffin

One crew member, the Master, remained for a while on board the stricken vessel in an effort to pump out the vessel however as the vessel listed still further and settled by the bow he also went into the sea and was now been picked up.

All crew have been accounted for.

The vessel apparently split it's hull as the cargo of grain swelled.

The master is currently being questioned by police, as is routine in such cases. The rest of the crew, all Polish, are being put up at a nearby hotel.

Production at the platform has been shut down whilst it is assessed for damage.