Dangerous waters take heavy toll

Yesterday's collision was the latest in a series of accidents in British coastal waters, writes Ian MacKinnon.

MARCH 1993: North Sea oil vessel Tharos struck by Cam Sentinel standby ship - 135 men airlifted to safety.

JANUARY 1993: Tanker Braer ran aground off Shetland, spilling 85,000 tons of oil.

AUGUST 1991: Brixham trawler Ocean Hound lost with all five crew in Dover Straits. Said to be victim of 'hit and run' crash.

APRIL 1991: Six fishermen died when Wilhelmina J struck by Cypriot-registered Zulfikar in Channel.

SEPTEMBER 1989: Liberian registered tanker Phillips Oklahoma and Maltese-registered Fiona collided off Humberside and caught fire. Fifty crew rescued.

MAY 1987: Skyron, Liberian- registered tanker, collided with Polish cargo ship Hel off Kent.

MARCH 1978: Liberian-registered tanker Amoco Cadiz ran aground off Brittany, polluting coast.

JANUARY 1971: Eight died when tanker and freighter crashed off Kent.

OCTOBER 1970: Fourteen died when Liberian-registered tankers Pacific Glory and Allegro collided off Isle of Wight.

MARCH 1967: Liberian tanker Torrey Canyon hit rocks in Scillies, spilling 30,000 tons of oil.