The 148 meter long, 7787 dwt ro-ro vehicle carrier Baltic Ace collided with the 135 meter long, 8372 dwt container ship Corvus J in the North Sea off the coast of the Netherlands.   The Corvus J struck the Baltic Ace in a snow storm with rough seas.    The Baltic Ace quickly began to fill with water.   The crew of 24 on board scrambled to abandon ship.   The vessel sank in less than 15 minutes leaving no time for the crew to put on protective clothing.   Thirteen crewmen were able to climb into the life rafts.  These men were safely rescued by Coast Guard helicopters and rescue ships.  The men were later taken to hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, five bodies were later recovered leaving six crewmen still missing.   No reports of injuries to the 12 men on board the Corvus J.   The Corvus J suffered damage to its bow, but was in no danger of sinking.   The Corvus J proceeded to an anchorage in the Westerschelde while authorities investigate the incident. The Baltic Ace had some 1,400 Mitsubishi cars in its hold.   The Corvus J was headed to Antwerp from Grangemouth, Scotland.   Early reports state the cause of the collision was most likely from human error.

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