Product tanker ELSA ESSBERGER collided with unmanned oil rig Q1 with is no longer in use, at around 1820 UTC Dec 31 in North sea some 20 nm southwest of Den Helder, Netherlands. Judging from AIS track, tanker was proceeding at near full speed of some 13 knots. Both tanker and rig sustained serious damages, especially tanker’s bow. No leak reported. Tanker was said to be brought to anchor near rig, as of 0400 UTC Jan 1 she remained in the same position.
