The collision off the coast of eastern England resulted in fires on both vessels as well as a fuel spill
The US-flagged fuel tanker MV Stena Immaculate collided with the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MV Solong in the North Sea near the East Yorkshire coast on Monday, leaving both vessels heavily damaged and on fire.
Ship-tracking data indicates that the Stena Immaculate was anchored near the port of Grimsby when the Solong struck its port side at approximately 9:48 am GMT. The impact caused multiple explosions and ruptured one of the tanker’s cargo tanks, leading to a significant fuel spill.
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency responded promptly, deploying rescue helicopters, lifeboats from multiple locations, and firefighting vessels to the scene. Of the 37 crew members from both vessels, 36 were rescued and brought ashore, with one individual hospitalized. One crew member from the Solong remains unaccounted for after an extensive search was called off due to challenging conditions.
The MV Stena Immaculate, managed by Crowley Maritime, is a chemical tanker with a deadweight of 49,729 tons. At the time of the collision, it was under charter by the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command, transporting approximately 18,000 tonnes of Jet A-1 fuel for the US military.
The MV Solong, owned by Hamburg-based Ernst Russ, is a 140-meter-long container ship. Built in 2005, it was en route from Grangemouth to Rotterdam, carrying at least 15 containers of various chemicals, including highly toxic sodium cyanide.
The collision caused jet fuel to leak into the North Sea and raised concerns about environmental risks, particularly from the sodium cyanide carried on board. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is actively monitoring the situation and assessing the necessary counter-pollution response.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Initial reports indicate that dense fog and possible human error may have been contributing factors. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is leading the inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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