Two ships damaged after collision off Port Talbot coast

The ships were taking iron ore to Port Talbot, which is home to the Corus steelworks

Two ships have been damaged after colliding off the coast of Port Talbot.

Swansea Coastguard said bulk carriers Royal Oasis and Berge Atlantic, which were taking iron ore to the town, struck each other just before 0600 BST on Friday.

A spokesman said there was minor damage to both vessels - but neither are at any risk and nobody was injured.

Both have been anchored off the coast as an investigation into what happened gets under way.

"There was some damage to both vessels - but it's on the superstructure above the water line," said the spokesman.

"There was no pollution or injuries, no fires or hazards and the damage is minor."

He added: "It appears there was some communication between both vessels before the accident."

The Panama registered Royal Oasis and Norwegian registered Berge Atlantic are anchored in deep water off the coast of the town, which is home to the Corus steelworks.

"It shouldn't cause problems for other vessels as they're in deep water anchorage," the spokesman said.

"The agents and owners will need to resolve the issue."

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch, surveyors and the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) enforcement branch will investigate the collision.