Fires are still raging on two vessels following a collision in the North Sea on Monday morning, involving an oil tanker carrying jet fuel and a cargo ship transporting toxic chemicals.
The collision, between the US-registered Stena Immaculate and the Portuguese-flagged Solong, has resulted in one crew member missing, with the search now called off by HM Coastguard.
Coastguard Divisional Commander Matthew Atkinson confirmed that 36 people had been rescued, with one individual taken to hospital. The missing crew member was from the Solong.
A crew member from the Stena Immaculate told BBC News that the Solong had collided with their vessel at 16 knots, seemingly without warning. The crew were forced to abandon ship, taking only what they were wearing.
Concerns over environmental damage have been raised after a jet fuel leak was confirmed off the Humber Estuary. Maritime firm Crowley, which manages the Stena Immaculate, reported “multiple explosions onboard” following a ruptured cargo tank.
A US official confirmed the tanker was carrying jet fuel “in support of the Department of Defense,” but stated that the incident would not impact operations or combat readiness.
A large-scale rescue operation was launched, involving a Coastguard helicopter, four lifeboats, and nearby vessels equipped for firefighting. Svitzer, a marine services group, deployed four boats to tackle the blaze.
Svitzer managing director Michael Paterson described the incident as “one of the most serious” he had witnessed, highlighting the dangers posed by the flammable oil and jet fuel, as well as the toxic fumes. “The priority for us was to save the crew,” he said.
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