Ship fires after Dubai collision

The tanker was carrying some 30,000 tonnes of oil condensates

Fires broke out on an oil tanker and a container ship after they collided off the Dubai coast in the Gulf, local officials said.

The accident happened in a shipping channel near Jebel Ali Port - a major container facility in the region.

Plumes of thick black smoke were seen rising from the two ships, but the fires were later extinguished.

The tanker was carrying some 30,000 tonnes of oil condensates. There were no reports of any casualties.

The accident happened at about 1235 local time (0835 GMT), officials said.

Police boats and helicopters were sent from Dubai to tackle the blazes. They have now returned to their base.

Details about the damage to the vessels and the cause of the collision were not immediately known.

The tanker was transporting some 30,000 tonnes of oil condensates from Iran to the United Arab Emirates, officials said.

The container ship was identified as the Sima Saba. Its cargo was not immediately known.