TWO oil tankers collided in the Solent this morning.

Coastguards based at Lee-on-the-Solent scrambled a helicopter to check the extent of the damage between the two tankers, one of which was carrying 44,000 metric tonnes of diesel on board.

However, further investigations found that both vessels, the MV Willy bound for a refinery at Stanlow and the MV Shakhdag, destined for Portland, suffered minor damage.

Both ships were allowed to continue on their way after no spillage was reported.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency Surveyor was airlifted by the helicopter to the 'Shakhdag' to inspect it and ensure that it is safe to enter Portland to discharge its cargo.The Maritime and Coastguard Agency put their Counter Pollution team on standby as a precaution.