Collision Between Oil Tanker and Cargo Vessel Off UK Coast Leaves 30+ Injured
A collision between an oil tanker and a cargo vessel off the coast of the UK has resulted in over 30 people being injured and a major fire breaking out. The incident occurred when the US-flagged MC Stena Immaculate, carrying 70,000 tonnes of highly flammable gas oil, was struck by the Portugal-flagged Solong cargo vessel in the Humber Estuary near Hull, just before 10 am.
Both ships were anchored at the time of the crash, and their crews abandoned the vessels immediately after the impact. Emergency teams were swiftly mobilized to assist the casualties. A recovery operation is ongoing, with 32 injured crew members being brought ashore. Thirteen of the injured were transported on a Wiindcat 33 vessel, another 10 were carried on a harbor pilot boat, and a third vessel brought nine casualties to safety. All crew members from the MC Stena Immaculate oil tanker have been accounted for.
The collision triggered a massive fireball, visible from the shore. Although the fire was too far out for onlookers to see, emergency responders have been working tirelessly to rescue and transport the injured. Martyn Boyers, Chief Executive of the Port of Grimsby East, confirmed that a flotilla of ambulances had been deployed to aid the injured. Coastguard rescue helicopters, lifeboats from nearby coastal towns, and firefighting vessels are actively engaged in the ongoing rescue operation.
A major cloud of black smoke from the fire continues to cover the horizon, as both vessels remain stranded in the estuary. The fire has also resulted in a spill of jet fuel, which is burning in the water. A mayday call was made shortly after the collision, with the ship’s captain requesting urgent assistance. The Humber Coastguard confirmed that the Stena Immaculate was carrying Jet A 1 fuel, which is now involved in the blaze.
The UK Coastguard is coordinating the emergency response, with several vessels and aircraft deployed to assist with search and rescue operations and firefighting efforts. The collision has been described as an ongoing incident, with emergency services working around the clock to manage the situation.
The US-flagged oil tanker had sailed from Agioi Theodoroi Port in Greece, while the Solong had departed from Grangemouth, heading to Hull. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as further updates are awaited. The Secretary of State for Transport expressed concern over the collision and commended the efforts of all emergency service workers involved in the response.
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