A cargo ship collided with a tanker carrying jet fuel off the coast of eastern England, causing both vessels to catch fire. Emergency services responded to the scene and rescued at least 32 people, although their condition was not immediately known. The American-flagged MV Stena Immaculate tanker was anchored near Grimsby after departing from Greece, while the Portugal-flagged container ship Solong was en route from Scotland to the Netherlands. The operator of the Stena Immaculate confirmed that all crew members were safe, despite the tanker sustaining damage to a cargo tank containing Jet-A1 fuel.
Following the collision, a rescue operation was launched involving several lifeboats, a coast guard rescue helicopter, and a coast guard plane. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency dispatched resources to the North Sea where the ships were located off the coast of Hull, approximately 155 miles north of London. The Humber Coast Guard issued a radio broadcast seeking vessels equipped with firefighting capabilities and assistance in search and rescue efforts. Video footage aired by the BBC captured thick black smoke billowing from both ships, indicating the severity of the situation.
Martyn Boyers, CEO of the Port of Grimsby East, reported that 13 casualties were brought ashore on a high-speed vessel, followed by an additional 19 on a harbor pilot boat. Despite the distance from shore, emergency responders were able to reach the vessels to aid in the evacuation and assist those onboard. Reports indicated that crew members had abandoned the ships following the collision and fires. The RNLI lifeboat agency confirmed that multiple lifeboats were engaged in search and rescue operations, alongside the coast guard teams. The situation was compounded by the release of fuel into the sea and multiple explosions on the tanker.
While details of the exact cause of the collision were not immediately available, the focus remained on the safety and well-being of those involved. The severity of the incident was underscored by eyewitness accounts of a massive fireball and intense smoke emanating from the vessels. Despite the challenging conditions at sea, emergency service workers and responders continued their efforts to mitigate the impact of the collision and ensure the safety of all individuals onboard. U.K. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander praised the ongoing response efforts and expressed gratitude to the emergency service workers involved.
The incident drew attention to the risks associated with maritime transportation and the importance of swift and decisive action in response to emergencies at sea. The collision between the cargo ship and tanker highlighted the potential dangers faced by seafarers and the critical role of emergency services in coordinating rescue operations. The coordination between various agencies, including coast guard teams, lifeboat agencies, and rescue helicopters, demonstrated the effectiveness of response efforts in a challenging maritime environment. As investigation efforts continued, the priority remained on ensuring the safety of all individuals involved and preventing further escalation of the situation.
