Four injured in Danish ferry collision

Two passenger ferries collided today in a Danish port, injuring four people and damaging the ships that ply a narrow strait between Denmark and southern Sweden.

Police believe thick fog was to blame for the 6.30am (5.30am Irish time) crash in Helsingoer, 22 miles north of Copenhagen. Four passengers were injured as the larger Mercandia 4 rammed into a small ferry, Pernille, which began listing, said police spokesman Henrik Hattel.

Both vessels were damaged in the crash, but were able to dock on their own power. Three people were taken to hospital for broken limbs and bruises while one was treated by a doctor on the pier, he said.

The ferries ply the Oeresund strait between Helsingoer and the southern Sweden port city of Helsingborg. The accident caused minor delays on the crossings.