A person was hospitalized on Friday afternoon following a collision between a cargo ship and a crane at the Port of Tyne in South Shields. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 1:02 p.m. after the vessel struck the dockside crane, causing it to crumple and lean onto the ship.
The injured individual sustained injuries not believed to be life-threatening and was transported to the Royal Victoria Infirmary for treatment. They remain in the hospital.
The cargo ship involved has been identified as the BG Orange, operated by BG Freight Line. The vessel had docked at the port earlier that morning, at approximately 4:25 a.m., according to Vessel Finder. Images from the scene show that containers aboard the ship were crumpled by the impact of the collapsed crane. The extent of the damage to the 170-meter (557-foot) ship is currently unclear.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police stated that the cause of the collision is yet to be established and that inquiries are ongoing to understand the full circumstances. The Port of Tyne is a significant industrial site located on the north bank of the River Tyne.
In response to the incident, the North East Ambulance Service dispatched three ambulances, two clinical team leaders, and three Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) vans. One HART van remained on-site to assist the fire service, and the Great North Air Ambulance Service also provided support to the medical teams.