A massive collision between two vessels in the North Sea has left fires still burning and one crew member unaccounted for, as authorities scramble to assess the environmental and safety impact of the incident. The collision, which occurred on Monday morning, involved the US-registered Stena Immaculate, carrying jet fuel for the US military, and the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Solong, which was transporting highly toxic chemicals.
According to HM Coastguard, 36 crew members were rescued, with one person taken to the hospital. The missing crew member was on board the Solong. Coastguard Divisional Commander Matthew Atkinson confirmed that efforts to locate the missing individual had been called off.
An eyewitness account from a crew member on the Stena Immaculate described how the Solong appeared unexpectedly and collided with the tanker at 16 knots. The impact triggered multiple explosions, as the tanker’s ruptured cargo tank released jet fuel into the sea off the Humber Estuary. Maritime firm Crowley, which manages the Stena Immaculate, said the explosion complicated rescue and firefighting operations.
Environmental concerns have risen as some jet fuel has leaked into the sea. Experts warn that jet fuel evaporates slowly and is toxic to marine life. Additionally, the Solong was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, a hazardous chemical that can produce hydrogen cyanide gas when exposed to water. Authorities have yet to confirm whether any of the chemical has spilled into the ocean.
Emergency response teams, including a Coastguard rescue helicopter, four lifeboats, and vessels equipped with firefighting capabilities, were dispatched to the scene. Maritime services company Svitzer has deployed four boats to battle the ongoing fires, dealing with hazardous fumes and flammable materials.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander praised the swift response of emergency teams, emphasizing their dedication to safeguarding lives and minimizing damage. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has launched a preliminary assessment to determine the cause of the collision, while the Maritime and Coastguard Agency continues pollution control efforts.
The Humber Estuary remains closed to all traffic, disrupting ferry operations between Hull and Rotterdam. As investigations continue, authorities remain on high alert for potential environmental consequences and further developments.
