A Portuguese container ship collided with a US-flagged oil tanker in the North Sea, resulting in both vessels catching fire and prompting a search for a missing crew member. The incident occurred while the tanker, identified as the Stena Immaculate, was anchored approximately 10 miles off the coast near Hull, England.
The collision led to significant damage, forcing crews from both ships to evacuate. A total of 36 individuals from the two vessels were safely rescued, with one person transported to a hospital. However, the search for one missing crew member from the Solong, the container ship, has been unsuccessful, as confirmed by Matthew Atkinson, the UK coast guard’s divisional commander.
“One crew member of the Solong remains unaccounted for, and despite an extensive search, they have not been found,” Atkinson stated. All 23 crew members aboard the Stena Immaculate were successfully rescued, with no reported injuries.
Around 10 AM UTC on the day of the incident, the Stena Immaculate experienced a ruptured cargo tank containing Jet-A1 fuel, leading to multiple explosions on board. Crowley, the ship’s management company, reported that the tanker was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel at the time of the collision; it is still unclear how much fuel has leaked.
In response to the emergency, a helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, and several lifeboats equipped for firefighting were dispatched to the scene. Authorities from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are conducting assessments to address any potential pollution from the incident.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has sent a team to Grimsby to gather evidence and conduct a preliminary assessment of the accident. Port of Grimsby East CEO Martyn Boyers noted that fog was likely present in the area at the time of the collision.
The Stena Immaculate was anchored while awaiting berth availability at the Port of Killingholme for a scheduled fuel delivery linked to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command.
Wildlife charity Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is monitoring the situation closely to assess potential environmental impacts, particularly in the Humber Estuary, known for its protected bird populations and significant numbers of Atlantic grey seals. Martin Slater, the charity’s operations director, warned that any pollution could have devastating effects on local wildlife.
Credit: ABC News
