The master of the 75-metre vessel Maria H was injured when it collided with the footbridge section of Keadby Bridge, near Scunthorpe.

Humber Coastguard said he was taken to hospital with a severe gash to his ankle.

It could have been the state of the tide flooding up at the time

Humber Coastguard

A spokesman for Humberside Police reported the bridge was closed for safety checks after the incident at 2130 BST on Wednesday.

It was checked over by engineers and found to have been only slightly damaged.

He said: "The bridge has been pronounced safe and it has been re-opened."

The Maria H, which is registered in Antigua and Barbuda, was heading for Europe when the crash happened.

Tide flooding

Five other crew members remained on board while she was moved away from the bridge and anchored.

A Humber Coastguard spokesman said the cause of the collision was being investigated.

"We're not really sure what caused the accident yet, but it could have been the state of the tide flooding up at the time," he said.

A tug was on its way from Goole, East Yorkshire, on the River Humber to assist the stricken vessel which was loaded with steel.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, rail authority and police were all informed about the incident.

No pollution from the vessel had been reported and the remaining crew members were not believed to be in any danger, the spokesman added.

The bridge, which is also used by road traffic and pedestrians, is on the Cleethorpes to Doncaster line.