Martyn Boyers, chief of Grimsby East port, said 32 people have been brought in

• Full story: UK coastguard scrambled after ship collision

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander has expressed concern about the collision and thanked emergency workers who are dealing with the situation.

The Labour MP for Swindon South said “I’m concerned to hear of the collision between two vessels in the North Sea this morning and am liaising with officials and HM Coastguard as the situation develops. I want to thank all emergency service workers involved for their continued efforts in responding to the incident.”