The Nation - News from Dec. 16, 1987

Two tankers with up to 50 crewmen each collided in the Atlantic 700 miles off Florida, and one vessel reported it was in danger of sinking, the Coast Guard said. There were no immediate reports of injuries or fires after the 600-foot Panamanian tanker Explorer and the 575-foot Kuwaiti tanker Qarouh collided, said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jim Simpson. The Qarouh indicated it had a large hole in its side and was in danger of sinking, Simpson said. The Explorer reported damage to the hold, said Coast Guard Petty Officer Brian Lincoln. Both tankers were believed to be carrying fuel but there were no immediate reports of leakage, Lincoln said.