A major maritime emergency is unfolding in the North Sea after the Stena Immaculate, a U.S.-flagged oil tanker, collided with the Portuguese-flagged container ship Solong off the coast of East Yorkshire, England. The incident, which occurred at 9:48 AM GMT, has triggered a large-scale rescue and firefighting operation as both vessels remain ablaze.
The U.S-flagged oil tanker, M/T Stena Immaculate was anchored off the coast of the U.K. in the North Sea. But somehow it was struck by the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel, M/V Solong. The fire from the collision is massive. pic.twitter.com/dXzaR6XJEr
Massive Rescue and Firefighting Effort
According to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, an extensive emergency response is in progress. The operation includes:
- Coastguard helicopters from Humberside, circling the area.
- Lifeboats from Bridlington, Skegness, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes assisting evacuations.
- Fixed-wing aircraft providing aerial assessments.
- Firefighting vessels attempting to contain the massive flames.
Eyewitness reports and MarineTraffic tracking data suggest that the Solong, traveling at 16 knots, struck the stationary Stena Immaculate, causing a rupture in its cargo tanks and igniting a large fireball that sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
This morning, the oil tanker STENA IMMACULATE and the container ship SOLONG were involved in a collision in the North Sea.
MarineTraffic data shows that the incident occurred at approximately 09:48 UTC. The 183-metre-long oil tanker was anchored off Immingham when it was struck… pic.twitter.com/AEJCQ4l84K
Casualties and Evacuations
The Stena Immaculate, a 49,000-ton chemical and oil tanker, was carrying Jet-A1 aviation fuel, raising serious environmental concerns. Initial reports confirmed that more than 32 crew members were successfully evacuated to Grimsby, though officials have not yet provided details on injuries. Reports indicate that some crew members of the Solong may still be unaccounted for.
Rising Concerns Over Environmental Impact
The UK Coastguard has issued a statement confirming that it is assessing the potential counter-pollution response, given the risk of a hazardous fuel spill. Environmental experts warn that if aviation fuel leaks into the North Sea, it could pose short-term toxicity threats to marine life and, in the worst-case scenario, cause further explosions due to its volatile nature.
Investigation Underway as Marine Inspectors Gather Evidence
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has dispatched a team to Grimsby to collect evidence and assess the circumstances that led to the collision. Reports indicate that the Humber Estuary is one of the most challenging waterways in the world, and poor visibility due to foggy conditions may have contributed to the accident.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed concern over the collision, thanking emergency crews for their ongoing efforts. Meanwhile, Hull City Council leader Mike Ross called the incident “devastating”, citing its potential economic and environmental impact on coastal communities.
As firefighting efforts continue, officials remain focused on rescue operations, damage control, and environmental mitigation. The situation remains ongoing, with further updates expected as authorities gain clearer insights into the cause of the crash and its long-term consequences.