North Sea Ship Fire

• Video: Tanker and cargo vessel collide in North Sea
• Location Map: Oil Tanker and Cargo Ship Collide in North Sea, Prompting Major Rescue Operation
• Updates 7

On the morning of March 10, 2025, a significant maritime incident occurred in the North Sea near East Yorkshire, England. At approximately 9:48 a.m. GMT, the U.S.-flagged oil tanker MV Stena Immaculate, which was anchored near the Humber estuary, was struck by the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MV Solong, en route from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The collision resulted in fires aboard both vessels, leading to an extensive emergency response coordinated by the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Assets deployed included a rescue helicopter from Humberside, lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes, an HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft, and nearby vessels equipped with firefighting capabilities.

Reports indicate that some crew members abandoned ship following the collision. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency response teams working diligently to control the fires and ensure the safety of all personnel involved.

Incident Location and Details

The collision occurred off the coast of Hull, approximately 155 miles (250 kilometers) north of London. The MV Stena Immaculate was stationary at the time of the incident, while the MV Solong was navigating international waters on its scheduled route.

Emergency Response Efforts

The coordinated response involved multiple agencies and resources:

• Rescue Helicopter: Dispatched from Humberside to provide aerial support and assist in crew evacuation.
• Lifeboats: Deployed from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes to aid in rescue operations.
• Fixed-Wing Aircraft: Utilized by HM Coastguard for aerial surveillance and coordination.
• Firefighting Vessels: Nearby ships equipped with firefighting capabilities were directed to the scene to control and extinguish fires.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Factors such as navigational errors, mechanical failures, and weather conditions will be examined. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Environmental Concerns

Given the involvement of an oil tanker, there are potential environmental risks associated with the incident. Containment measures are being assessed to prevent any oil spills and mitigate environmental impact.

Public Advisory

Maritime authorities advise vessels in the vicinity to maintain a safe distance from the incident area to facilitate ongoing rescue and firefighting operations. Further instructions will be issued as necessary.

Conclusion

This incident underscores the critical importance of maritime safety protocols and swift emergency response coordination. The priority remains the safety of the crew members and the protection of the marine environment.

Sources

• Associated Press: Rescue operation launched after collision between an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea
• The Guardian: UK coastguard scrambled after collision between tanker and cargo vessel
• People Magazine: Oil Tanker and Cargo Ship Reportedly on Fire, Crews Abandoned Ship Following Collision at Sea: Reports

Oil Tanker and Cargo Ship Collide in North Sea, Prompting Major Rescue Operation

 

Updates :-

• Amanda Duarte
  Of the 37 crew members total from both vessels, one is unfortunately missing. 36 crew have been evacuated to land. One has been taken to hospital.
• Aba Selassie
  Tanker Stenna Immaculate which is contracted to the USA government, was at anchor when hit by the Portuguese cargo ship Solong. The Solong was making its way from Grangemouth (Firth of Fourth, Scotland, UK) down the Eastern coast of the UK towards its destination of Rotterdam, Netherlands. The USA registered Immaculate has USA military jet fuel cargo, which has leaked in to the sea. Both vessels are on fire.
• Aba Selassie
  There is a severe risk to wildlife in the area from the tanker jet fuel and the container ship chemical cargo. Sea birds are most vulnerable.
• Amanda Duarte
  Cargo from Grangemouth in Scotland on board the container vehicle includes some dangerous chemicals. Sizeable quantities of sodium cyanide, which is highly toxic especially when it reacts with water!
• James Hay
  It seems strange that these 2 ships would collide in broad daylight like this, and in relatively calm water. Poor visibility is a possible contributing factor, although ship navigation instruments should have ensured safe passage, pointing towards human error. Foul play is not being ruled out at this point. However to be clear, it is not being suggested that this is the main line of enquiry. Online social media remarks of hacking ship computer guidance systems are wild speculation at this point.
• Mike Oday
  Very sadly one crew member from the cargo vessel Solong is missing! After searching for most of the day, as darkness falls the Coastguard have called off the search. My prayers for him and his family.
• Aba Selassie
  Now at nearly one full day since the collision, the vessels have drifted apart, still on fire, spreading pollution to the sea and air. Thick clouds of black smoke can be seen bellowing from the stricken ships.

More on this story at >> BBC

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