3 Missing in North Sea Ship Collision

The Dutch Coast Guard deployed helicopters and divers to search for three missing mariners in the North Sea after their ship sank following a collision with a fishing trawler early on Monday.

The collision occurred around 1:30 am (locally) when the Maria, a ship deployed to guard an oil drilling platform about 24 miles southwest of the Dutch navy port of Den Helder, collided with fishing trawler Texel 68.

Fishermen aboard the Texel 68 said they had seen all five of the Maria's crew on the bridge wearing life jackets immediately after the collision. Two were rescued by the fishing vessel, but 3 are still missing; officials believe they may be trapped inside of the wreckage.

The crewmen could survive several hours in the North Sea waters, which are still relatively warm at this time of year.

The cause of the collision is unknown, and is being investigated.