Dutch ferry skipper killed in collision

The skipper is believed to be the only victim of the collision, which capsized the small ferry.

Dutch television identified the victim as 56-year-old Hendrik Plomp.

Police said two crew members of the German freighter Duisburg Ruhrort, right, had been detained for questioning. Breath tests showed they had not consumed alcohol before the crash.

The incident took place yesterday morning near the town of Nieuwer Ter Aa, roughly six miles (10km) south of Amsterdam.

The larger vessel “ran over” the small passenger ferry, which is used to transport pedestrians across the canal.

Early reports said several passengers were in the water as the ferry capsized, and divers and a helicopter were called out to assist in the search.