Cargo Ship Collides with Jet Fuel Tanker Off UK Coast, All 37 Crew Accounted For- wna24
Collision between oil tanker and cargo ship in North Sea | Image:
AP
A cargo ship and a tanker carrying jet fuel collided off the coast of eastern England on Monday, triggering a massive fire and a large-scale rescue effort. Authorities confirmed that all 37 crew members aboard both vessels have been accounted for, with one person hospitalized.
Local lawmaker Graham Stuart stated that he had been briefed by the transport secretary about the situation. “The other 36 mariners across both crews are safe and accounted for,” he said.
Collision Sparks Fire and Explosions at Sea
The U.S.-flagged tanker MV Stena Immaculate, which was anchored near the Port of Grimsby after sailing from Greece, was struck by the Solong, a Portugal-flagged cargo ship traveling from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The impact caused a rupture in one of Stena Immaculate’s cargo tanks, which contained Jet-A1 fuel, according to Crowley, the U.S.-based firm managing the tanker. The collision resulted in a fire and “multiple explosions onboard,” leading to fuel spilling into the sea. Despite the severity of the incident, Crowley confirmed that all 23 mariners on board the tanker were safe.
Video footage aired by the BBC showed thick black smoke billowing from both ships, and eyewitnesses reported seeing a “massive fireball” at the site of the accident, about 10 miles offshore from Hull, approximately 155 miles (250 km) north of London.
Rescue Efforts and Emergency Response
The British Maritime and Coastguard Agency quickly deployed multiple lifeboats, a rescue helicopter, and a coast guard aircraft to the scene after receiving a distress call at 9:48 a.m. local time. The Humber Coast Guard also broadcasted a call for vessels with firefighting and rescue capabilities to assist in the operation.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) confirmed that there were reports of crew members abandoning ship following the collision. Three lifeboats, along with a flotilla of other rescue vessels, worked to bring the crew to safety.
Authorities Monitor Developing Situation
U.K. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was being regularly updated on the situation and expressed gratitude to the emergency responders.
“I want to thank all emergency service workers involved for their continued efforts in responding to the incident,” Alexander said.
While all crew members have been accounted for, authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage and environmental impact of the fuel spill.