A collision between an oil tanker and a towing vessel in a Texas port has resulted in the spillage of nearly 450,000gal of crude oil, the US coastguard said.

The 800ft tanker collided with the towing vessel while it was pushing two barges. No-one was injured.

The coastguard said the crash left a 15-by-8ft hole in the tanker and damaged one of its oil tanks.

Petty officer Richard Brahm told the Associated Press that the ship’s crew members have pumped 69,000 barrels from the damaged tank that carried 80,000 barrels.