The skipper of a small Dutch ferry capsized after a collision with a German freighter near Amsterdam Friday may be the only victim, according to local police.

Firefighters and divers search on October 22, 2010 for victims of a collision between a freight ship and a passenger ferry, which capsized in the Amsterdam-Rijn canal near the town of Nieuwer Ter Aa, about 10 kms (six miles) south of Amsterdam. The captain of the ferry was still missing early on October 22. The ferry was transporting pedestrians and cyclists. (Xinhua/AFP)
The ferry skipper is still missing after the ferry collided with the freighter at 7:00 Friday morning on a canal near Nieuwer Ter Aa, a small village in Dutch province of Utrecht. According to local media, the police believe he may be the only casualty as he was probably on the way to pick up his first customer.

The skipper was very experienced and had piloted the ferry in this area for two years, the police said.

The vessel ferried cyclists and pedestrians across the canal near the Breukelen area. The bow of the ferry is currently underwater.

The German cargo ship is anchored on the scene. The captain has been questioned by the water police and tested for alcohol use as a part of normal procedure. He appeared to be sober.

Police have called for the witnesses on the east side of the channel as investigations continue into the cause of the accident.

Navigation on the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal canal is still blocked.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet