Key Points:
- Collision between US tanker ‘Stena Immaculate’ and Portuguese container ship ‘Solong’ ignites massive fire in North Sea.
- Jet fuel leaking into sea; fears of environmental damage.
- 37 crew members rescued; one hospitalized, others safe.
- Extensive rescue operation involving helicopters, lifeboats, and firefighting vessels ongoing.
New Delhi: A dramatic maritime disaster unfolded off England’s northeastern coast on Monday morning when the US-flagged oil tanker Stena Immaculate collided with the Portuguese-flagged container ship Solong, triggering a massive fire and prompting urgent rescue operations.
The incident occurred around 9:48 AM local time near the Humber Estuary off East Yorkshire. According to initial reports, the Stena Immaculate, operated by American logistics firm Crowley under the US government’s Tanker Security Program, was anchored and carrying jet fuel when it was struck by the container vessel Solong, which was en route from Grangemouth in Scotland to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
The collision caused a rupture in one of the tanker’s cargo tanks, resulting in jet fuel spilling into the North Sea. Multiple explosions followed, quickly engulfing both vessels in towering flames visible from miles away. Viral videos circulating on social media captured thick black smoke billowing from the burning ships and intense fireballs erupting into the sky.
Emergency response teams swiftly mobilized to handle the crisis. The British Maritime and Coastguard Agency dispatched rescue helicopters from Humberside, along with coastguard planes, firefighting vessels, and lifeboats from nearby towns including Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) confirmed that four lifeboat crews were actively involved in rescue efforts.
Port of Grimsby East executive Martyn Boyers reported that at least 37 crew members were safely brought ashore. Of these rescued individuals, one person required hospitalization for injuries sustained during the incident; their current condition remains unclear. All crew members aboard the Stena Immaculate have been accounted for and are confirmed safe by Crowley representatives.
Local activist Niall Stevenson described witnessing multiple ambulances and search-and-rescue teams arriving at the scene shortly after the collision. “It was a complete sit-and-hold situation,” Stevenson told BBC reporters.
Authorities are deeply concerned about potential environmental consequences due to jet fuel leakage into marine waters. Coastguard officials stated that an ongoing assessment is being conducted to determine necessary pollution control measures.
Investigators from Britain’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have deployed a team to conduct preliminary assessments at the collision site. Maritime experts expressed confusion regarding how such an incident could occur despite advanced navigation technology onboard modern ships. “It’s puzzling because all vessels today have sophisticated equipment designed precisely to avoid such collisions,” Boyers remarked.
The tanker involved the Stena Immaculate is part of a fleet of ten ships enrolled in America’s Tanker Security Program, which ensures availability of commercial tankers for transporting military fuel during emergencies or conflicts. At the time of collision, it was carrying jet fuel intended for US Air Force bases located in Britain.
As rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions at sea, authorities emphasize that investigations into this serious maritime accident are still at an early stage. Further details regarding exact causes and potential liabilities will emerge as inquiries progress.
