One seafarer has been confirmed dead after a Manx registered ship was involved in a collision this morning.

The ship 'Verity' (IMO number 9229178) has sunk following the collision off the coast of Germany, with the Ship Registry being informed of this at 7:25am.

A spokesperson from the Isle of Man Government said: 'The Isle of Man registered cargo ship sailed from the German port of Bremen at 8pm (local time) on October 23 with seven crew members on board.

'At approximately 4am the Verity was involved in a collision with the Bahamian registered bulk carrier 'Polesie', and following the collision the Verity sank while the Polesie remained afloat.

'This incident occurred in the sea area known as German Bight and the collision occurred south west of the island of Heligoland.

'The German Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received the alarm just before 5am. The search and rescue operation was immediately initiated.

'The Ship Registry is deeply saddened to report that information received from German authorities includes confirmation of one seafarer fatality.

'Two seafarers have been rescued from the sea by the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service and transferred to hospital for emergency treatment and are currently reported as doing well.

'The search continues for four missing seafarers.

'The Isle of Man Ship Registry has a 'memorandum of understanding' with the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) who will now conduct a casualty investigation into this tragic incident.

'The Ship Registry’s thoughts are with the seafarers that sailed onboard the Verity, their families, friends and loved ones.

'The Ship Registry will provide further information as and when it becomes available.'