An oil tanker off the UK coast reportedly suffered a ruptured cargo tank following a collision with a container ship, the Stena Immaculate, resulting in “multiple explosions” and the release of jet fuel into the water, as reported by the ship’s management firm, Crowley. The incident occurred in the North Sea, prompting the safe evacuation of the tanker’s crew. The maritime company assured that all personnel were safe and accounted for following the collision. The tanker was struck by the container ship Solong while anchored near Hull, United Kingdom, causing significant damage and a fire on board.
Crowley promptly activated its emergency vessel response plan in collaboration with public agencies to mitigate the impact of the incident and secure the damaged tanker. The safety of individuals and the environment remains the primary concern for the response team. The tanker’s crew evacuated the vessel in the aftermath of the collision due to the severity of the situation, with black smoke seen billowing into the air. Efforts are underway to contain the fire and manage the fuel spill to prevent further environmental harm.
Reports indicate that over 30 casualties have been safely transported ashore, although some crew members are still unaccounted for following the collision. Emergency services, including lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter, were swiftly dispatched to the scene upon receiving distress calls. The collision occurred in the Humber Estuary, involving the US-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate and the Portuguese-registered container ship Solong. Initial assessments revealed the extent of the damage and the urgent need for rescue operations to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
Port authorities in Grimsby East coordinated the reception of casualties, with multiple vessels involved in the evacuation process. Eyewitnesses described a massive fireball resulting from the collision, highlighting the intensity of the situation at sea. The unfolding incident warranted a coordinated response from various emergency services to address the immediate risks and challenges posed by the damaged vessels. Ongoing search and rescue efforts continued as emergency crews worked tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the collision.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her concerns over the collision in the North Sea, emphasising the importance of coordinated response efforts and support for emergency service workers involved in the incident. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch deployed investigators to Grimsby to assess the situation and gather evidence to determine the cause of the collision. As investigations proceed, updates regarding the incident and the status of the vessels and crew members involved will be provided in due course.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) reported the deployment of multiple lifeboat crews to support search and rescue operations off the East Yorkshire coast. The collaboration between the RNLI and HM Coastguard underscored the critical nature of the response to maritime emergencies and the commitment to safeguarding lives at sea. As the incident unfolds, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to address the immediate challenges and ensure the well-being of all individuals affected by the collision.