AN investigation is underway after a tanker crashed into the jetty at Fawley's marine terminal.

The Whitonia, a new 100m, 6,215 tonne, double-hull tanker, collided with the jetty at berth nine just before 5pm yesterday.

Harry Williams, the operations director at John H Whitaker, the tanker owner, said there was a light contact during a routine docking operation causing minor damage.

"There were no injuries and no pollution. We are investigating the incident," he said.

The tanker left under its own power and returned to Southampton docks across the water.

A spokesman for the Esso refinery at Fawley said: "A small tanker, Whitonia, carrying marine fuel oil, collided with the jetty at Fawley's marine terminal this afternoon.

"There were no injuries. The vessel suffered minor damage and no oil was released.

"The jetty sustained some damage which is being assessed.

"Ship loading and unloading operations are continuing normally."