‘Rescue mission’ underway in North Sea after Dutch container ship Victoria L ‘EXPLODES and sparks huge blaze’

A HUGE explosion has reportedly ripped through a 500ft container ship in the North Sea.

The Dutch vessel Victoria L was seen up in flames following the blast with an emergency rescue mission now underway, according to local media.

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A container vessel navigates through the Port of Rotterdam[/caption]

At least 19 crew members were on board the ship when officials were first alerted to the fire at around 1pm, HLN media reports.

The ship was travelling through the Hoek van Holland, near to Rotterdam at the time.

No injures have been reported yet.

Several ships rushed to the scene to help with the rescue mission along with two helicopters with emergency services on site.

It is not immediately clear what caused the explosion.

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