Wildlife trusts have warned of potential “devastating” impacts of pollution after an oil tanker carrying jet fuel and a cargo ship loaded with highly toxic chemicals collided in the North Sea.
The crash, which occurred just before 9.50am on Monday, involved the US-registered Stena Immaculate, transporting fuel for the US military, and the Portuguese-flagged Solong.
The smaller Solong vessel was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, according to a report from maritime data provider Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
Nature rich sites such as the Humber Estuary, where conservationists have been restoring seagrass and oysters, and Flamborough Cliffs could be hit, environmentalists warned.
Martin Slater, Director of Operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said the trust was waiting to see if there was any pollution into the North Sea.
“If pollution spillage enters the Humber, this could potentially be devastating for the wildlife of the estuary, including important fish stocks and tens of thousands of overwintering and migrating birds who use the mud flats.”
There are also concerns about the Silver Pit Marine Conservation Zone further offshore from Lincolnshire’s coast, which is “a unique habitat for fish where seabirds and cetaceans feed”.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson previously said it was an “extremely concerning situation”.
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Key Points
- Minister seeks to reassure public over environmental impact
- Sailor recounts dramatic escape from Stena Immaculate after collision
- Foul play not ruled out - report
- Greenpeace scientist warns of major environmental risk
- Uncertainty over cargo raises contamination concerns, says local MP
Picture shows extent of damage on Stena Immaculate
11:21
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Jabed Ahmed
Watch | Yorkshire Wildlife Trust warns chemical spill could threaten hundreds of thousands of birds along Yorkshire Coast
11:14
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Jabed Ahmed
Oil spill threatens vital wildlife habitats along Lincolnshire coast
10:59
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Jabed Ahmed
Tammy Smalley, head of conservation at Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, warned that the North Lincolnshire coast is at risk following the collision, including key nature reserves.
Ms Smalley said: “The north Lincolnshire coast is at risk which includes our special – and vast – nature reserves, Donna Nook and Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes. The area is home to internationally important populations of seabirds and seals, and fragile habitats including saltmarsh, mudflats and seagrass meadows.
“Depending on wind direction and contaminants, we are also concerned about the Silver Pit Marine Conservation Zone farther offshore – a unique habitat for fish where seabirds and cetaceans feed. Much of the Lincolnshire coast offshore is within marine protected areas for habitat features such as sub-tidal sand dunes.
“Although the grey seals at Donna Nook are not currently pupping, the seals including juveniles are still in the area. They haul out on sand banks offshore and feed in the wider North Sea area.”
Environmental group warns of toxic impact as oil spill threatens marine protected areas
10:44
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Jabed Ahmed
Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, said: “This incident is a shocking reminder of the ferocious polluting power of oil.
“We are seeing burning slicks, the threat of heavy fuel oil, and toxic chemicals leaking in or near not one but two marine protected areas (MPAs). Places that should be safe havens for wildlife.”
Mr Tagholm said the Southern North Sea and Holderness MPAs protect declining harbour porpoises and rich seafloor habitats, which are both highly sensitive to toxic spills.
“Oil is always an accident waiting to happen in our ocean and we are all familiar with its devastating impacts – seabirds slick with oil, marine life struggling in tarry tidelines, and a toxic legacy that can impact wildlife and coastal communities for years. More oil will always result in more spills,” he added.
“It is also deeply concerning that the cargo vessel is reportedly carrying sodium cyanide, a severely toxic chemical that can devastate marine wildlife if in high enough concentrations. For now, we don’t know how much, if any, reached the water but we have sent an Oceana team to the North East to monitor developments.”
The ships involved in the accident
10:30
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Jabed Ahmed
Who is likely to be responsible for the clean-up costs?
10:17
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Jabed Ahmed
Harj Narulla, a climate and environmental barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, said: “Under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, the UK Government is likely to meet many of the immediate clean-up and emergency response costs. The vessel owners and their insurers may also meet costs.
“The Government may in due course seek to recover their cleanup costs from the owners and insurers of both vessels.
“If other parties suffer loss — such as local fishing companies, local government or tourism operators — they could also commence claims against the vessel owners and insurers. “
Who might be liable for the accident?
10:04
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Jabed Ahmed
Harj Narulla, a climate and environmental lawyer, explained: “While we still do not know all the facts, it appears as though the Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate, which was at anchor.
“Despite this, the Stena Immaculate and its insurers are strictly liable under UK law for any oil pollution coming from its cargo.
“Similarly, both the Solong and Stena Immaculate and their insurers would be liable for any pollution coming from bunker oil released from the vessels.
“If investigations show that the Solong is responsible for the collision, we may see the Stena Immaculate pursuing legal action against the Solong's owners and their insurers.
“This is likely to be in UK courts, but could also occur in the US or Portugal as the flag States for each vessel.”
What environmental laws apply?
09:51
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Jabed Ahmed
Harj Narulla, a climate and environmental lawyer, has said the legal position is “far from certain” regarding the collision.
“Both international and domestic laws will apply to the emergency response, clean-up operations and resolving who pays for this accident,” he said.
“This is likely to be litigated in the UK because the accident occurred in British territorial waters, although compensation claims may end up being brought in the US and Portugal, as the flag States for the vessels.
“The owners and insurers of both vessels are likely to be liable for the pollution caused. This will include the oil carried as cargo and any heavy fuel oil that leaks from the vessels.”
The UK is a signatory to a number of relevant international treaties, such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, he explained.
Mr Narulla said domestically, the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 will likely apply to determine who is liable to pay for this accident.
Uncertainty over cargo raises contamination concerns, says local MP
09:39
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Jabed Ahmed
Melanie Onn, Labour MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, said it is not known what is in the cargo of the ship which was involved in a collision with a tanker in the North Sea off the East Yorkshire coast, but if it were to be sodium cyanide, “that would be very worrying”.
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that a Government minister said it is “undetermined”, adding: “Actually, they don’t know what is in the cargo for Solong. And if it were to be the sodium cyanide, that would be very worrying. So we are waiting for kind of continuous updates on that.
“The Marine Accident Investigation Branch are now on site and giving direct reports back to the minister, and there is the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency), they are doing an evaluation of the contamination risk and working with the owners of both of the vessels to plan a salvage operation.”
Mapped | Where did the ships collide?
09:18
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Jabed Ahmed
Sailor recounts dramatic escape from Stena Immaculate after collision
09:12
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Jabed Ahmed
An American sailor from the Stena Immaculate has recounted his dramatic escape from the oil tanker.
Speaking to CBS News, the sailor, who remained anonymous as crew members are currently restricted from speaking to the media, said he was close to the point of impact when the collision occurred.
Suddenly, “a massive ship came from out of the blue,” he recalled, explaining that he had only seconds to react.
He described hearing urgent shouts to brace before the crash. He also noted that the Solong didn’t stop immediately, instead ploughing into their ship for what felt like 10 minutes.
According to other crew members, it appeared that no one was on the bridge of the Solong at the time of the collision, he added.
Listen | Coastguard emergency call after oil tanker and cargo ship collide in North Sea
08:59
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Jabed Ahmed
Pictured | Sunrise over Easington beach in Hull after crash
08:24
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Jabed Ahmed
How does the coastguard respond to maritime pollution and oil spills?
08:11
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Jabed Ahmed
The HM Coastguard's Counter Pollution and Salvage (CPS) Team addresses maritime pollution incidents. This ranges from oil spills to debris such as plastics and timber.
Responsibility for responding to maritime pollution within the UK's Exclusive Economic Zone, extending up to 200 nautical miles from land, primarily falls to HM Coastguard.
However, Local port or harbour authorities handle incidents within their jurisdictions, often deploying their counter-pollution equipment, the coastguard's website says.
Environmental regulators like the Environment Agency or local councils may take charge of pollution originating from land.
If the pollution exceeds the responsible party's capacity to manage, the CPS Team ensures an adequate response to protect public health and the environment. They collaborate with specialist agencies, including nature conservation bodies and fishery regulators, to assess potential impacts and guide the response strategy.
For large-scale incidents, they utilise dedicated pollution response equipment and contractors, with stockpiles strategically located across the UK to ensure rapid deployment within 15 hours.
Exclusive | Major environmental damage risk after North Sea oil tanker collision, warns Greenpeace scientist
08:09
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Jabed Ahmed
Minister seeks to reassure public over environmental impact
07:56
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Jabed Ahmed
A minister has sought to reassure the public over the environmental impact of the collision.
Matthew Pennycook told Times Radio on Tuesday the first was “still raging” and the Government was “alive to the potential impacts on the environment”.
He said: “The Maritime and Coastguard Agency are well equipped to contain and disperse any oil spills.
“We don’t think air quality impacts are outside of normal levels, but we will keep the situation obviously under review.
“It’s a fast-moving and dynamic situation, but all the necessary services are on the ground, both investigating and taking the immediate steps required.”
Pollution concern after North Sea collision
07:40
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Maroosha Muzaffar
There are concerns that the chemical spill could harm the marine environment, particularly seabird colonies on the East Yorkshire coast, which include puffins, razorbills, gannets, and kittiwakes.
Martin Slater, director of operations at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust charity told The Telegraph: “If pollution spillage enters the Humber, this could potentially be devastating for the wildlife of the estuary, including important fish stocks and tens of thousands of overwintering and migrating birds who use the mud flats.”
Oil tanker leaks jet fuel after collision as firefighting efforts continue
07:10
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Maroosha Muzaffar
US logistics group Crowley, which manages the oil tanker Stena Immaculate, confirmed that the vessel released some jet fuel due to a ruptured cargo tank.
The company said it had activated its emergency response plan and is “actively working with public agencies to contain the fire and secure the vessel”.
Crowley emphasised that its “first priority is the safety of the people and environment” and promised further updates as more information becomes available.
Video: Smoke billows from oil tanker and cargo ship collision in North Sea
06:40
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Smoke billowed into the sky after an oil tanker collided with a cargo vessel in the North Sea on Monday, 10 March, causing a “massive fireball” off the coast of Yorkshire.
The incident is believed to involve a US-flagged tanker called the MV Stena Immaculate, which is understood to have been carrying aviation fuel.
More than 30 casualties have been brought ashore. The condition of those injured remains unclear; lifeguards and a coastguard helicopter scrambled to the scene following reports that a “number of people” had abandoned both ships.
The collision occurred in the Humber Estuary, with the alarm first raised at 9.48am.
Stena Immaculate's chief executive confirmed to the BBC that all crew were accounted for and safe.
Questions over North Sea collision arise despite advanced technical equipment
06:10
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Maroosha Muzaffar
The cause of the collision remains unclear.
Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the nearby Port of Grimsby East, told CNN: “It seems a mystery, really, because all the vessels now have very highly sophisticated technical equipment to plot courses and to look at any obstacles or anything they’ve got to avoid.
“It’s difficult to actually suggest what went on, other than the fact it should never have happened,” he added.
Boyers said the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) would likely investigate the incident.
“How did that vessel continue plowing into the berth vessel? There must have been some warning signs. They must have been able to detect it on the radar,” Boyers was quoted as saying by the outlet.
Foul play not ruled out - report
05:40
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Authorities have not ruled out foul play in the collision between a US military-chartered oil tanker and a cargo ship carrying toxic chemicals in the North Sea, The Telegraph reported.
The crash triggered multiple explosions and a chemical spill, raising concerns among marine experts that the incident may not have been accidental.
A government source told The Telegraph that while early investigations have found no indication of foul play in the incident, it has not been ruled out.
However, poor visibility has also been cited as a possible factor.
What is sodium cyanide that the cargo tank was transporting?
05:10
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Maroosha Muzaffar
The Solong was transporting “an unknown quantity of alcohol and 15 containers of sodium cyanide”, according to Lloyd’s List.
It remains unclear whether the cyanide has entered the water.
Sodium cyanide can release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas, which disrupts the body’s ability to use oxygen, according to the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also notes that sodium cyanide can convert into hydrogen cyanide upon contact with water.
Oil tanker on fire after colliding with cargo vessel in North Sea off East Yorkshire coast
04:40
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Thirty-six casualties have been brought ashore but one member of the Portugal-registered MV Solong crew was still missing as night fell off the coast of Grimsby, according to the ship’s Hamburg-based owner, Ernst Russ.
Jet fuel destined for the US Airforce on board US-flagged MV Stena Immaculate reportedly leaked into the water after it was struck by the smaller vessel.
In an update late on Monday, Crowley, who manage the oil tanker, said at least one cargo tank carrying jet fuel was ruptured in the collision.
Read the full piece here:
Watch aerials after oil tanker and cargo ship collide in North Sea
04:10
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Maroosha Muzaffar
Aerial footage showed the scene over the North Sea after an oil tanker collided with a cargo vessel off the coast of Yorkshire on Monday, 10 March.
At least 30 casualties have been brought ashore after the incident involving the US-flagged Stena Immaculate tanker and Portuguese-registered container ship Solong.
The crew of the Stena Immaculate tanker are “safe and accounted for” after jet fuel was released during the crash, Crowley, which manages the vessel, has said.
Lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter were called to the collision in the Humber Estuary just before 10am.
A spokesperson for the Marine Accident Investigation Branch said it has deployed investigators to Grimsby.
Oil tanker leaks jet fuel after collision as firefighting efforts continue
03:40
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
US logistics group Crowley, which manages the oil tanker Stena Immaculate, confirmed that the vessel released some jet fuel due to a ruptured cargo tank.
The company said it had activated its emergency response plan and is “actively working with public agencies to contain the fire and secure the vessel”.
Crowley emphasised that its “first priority is the safety of the people and environment” and promised further updates as more information becomes available.
03:29
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Barney Davis
The BBC said they saw survivors of the collision being boarded onto lifeboats and towed into Grimsby, escaping with very little.
One crew member said he fled the ship with just his wallet and his phone.
He told a reporter that the cargo ship - Solong - just came out of the blue and crashed into them at a speed of 16 knots.
Some members of the Stena Immaculate oil tanker were at the Asda in Grimsby this evening buying replacement clothes.
North Sea: Everything we know about Stena Immaculate oil tanker and cargo vessel collision off Yorkshire coast
02:53
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Maroosha Muzaffar
An oil tanker has caught alight in a “massive fireball” after colliding with a cargo vessel in the North Sea.
The alarm was first raised on the Humber Estuary in East Yorkshire at 9.48am on Monday. A Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel collided with a US-flagged oil tanker, which was understood to be at anchor and carrying aviation fuel.
A May Day call from the HM Coastguard requested help from vessels with fire-fighting equipment or which could assist with search and rescue.
Read the piece here:
'Environmental toll could be severe'
02:18
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Barney Davis
It is understood the US and Portugal will now lead investigations into the ongoing fire in the North Sea.
Dr Tom Webb, senior lecturer in marine ecology and conservation at the University of Sheffield, said: “The wildlife of the Yorkshire coast and Humber Estuary is of immense biological, cultural and economic importance. In addition to the wealth of marine life that is present all year round, this time of the year is crucial for many migratory species.
“Chemical pollution resulting from incidents of this kind can directly impact birds, and it can also have long-lasting effects on the marine food webs that support them.”
Dr Alex Lukyanov, researcher on advanced mathematical models of oil spills from the University of Reading, said: “Oil spills like the one in the North Sea are affected by multiple factors. The size of the spill, weather conditions, sea currents, water waves, wind patterns, and the type of oil involved all play crucial roles in determining environmental outcomes.
“This particular incident is troubling because it appears to involve persistent oil, which breaks up slowly in water.”
Tanker was anchored as it waited outside port when struck
01:16
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Barney Davis
The Stena Immaculate tanker was operating as part of the US government’s Tanker Security Programme, a group of commercial vessels that can be contracted to carry fuel for the military when needed.
It had been anchored while it waited for a berth to become available at the Port of Killingholme, on the River Humber, Crowley said.
According to reports, the Solong was carrying sodium cyanide, which can produce harmful gas when combined with water, but it was unclear if there had been any leak.
Unclear how much fuel spilled in North Sea
00:01
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Barney Davis
In an update late on Monday, Crowley, who manage the oil tanker, said at least one cargo tank carrying jet fuel was ruptured in the collision.
A spokesman said: “At this stage, it is unclear what volume of fuel may have been released as a result of the incident. At the time it was struck, the 183-meter (596-foot) Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks.
“Crowley is supporting the relevant authorities in the UK who are investigating the incident and will defer to them for any further questions on potential cause.”
Pictured | Emergency services try to put out flame
Monday 10 March 2025 23:02
,
Jabed Ahmed
Ships still on fire, coastguard says
Monday 10 March 2025 22:37
,
Barney Davis
Matthew Atkinson, divisional commander for HM Coastguard said: “36 crew members were taken safely to shore, one person was taken to hospital.
“One crew member of the Solong remains unaccounted for. After an extensive search for the missing crew member, sadly they have not been found and the search has ended.
“The two vessels remain on fire and coastguard aircraft are monitoring the situation.
“An assessment of any required counter pollution response is being carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.”
Coastguard calls off search for final missing crew member
Monday 10 March 2025 22:02
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Barney Davis
The Coastguard said it has ended the search for a missing crew member from the Solong container ship - which crashed into an oil tanker in the North Sea.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: “I am hugely grateful to HM Coastguard, the RNLI, and emergency services who have responded to this incident.
“They were on the scene swiftly, have helped rescue those in immediate danger and I know they will continue to work tirelessly over the coming days.
“My thoughts are with all those involved, especially the family of the missing crew member.
“The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch has begun a preliminary assessment and I am working closely with the MCA as they conduct an assessment of any counter pollution response which may be required over the coming days.”
Greenpeace 'extremely concerned' after jet fuel lands near porpoise breeding ground
Monday 10 March 2025 22:01
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Barney Davis
Greenpeace said it was “extremely concerned” about toxic hazards from the North Sea ship collision harming wildlife.
“As more information emerges about what the ships were carrying, we are extremely concerned about the multiple toxic hazards these chemicals could pose to marine life,” said Paul Johnston, a senior scientist at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories at Exeter University.
“The jet fuel that entered the water close to a breeding ground for harbour porpoises is toxic to fish and other sea creatures,” he added.
It comes after reports that the Solong cargo ship was carrying toxic sodium cyanide.
Sodium Cyanide dissolves in water and can have serious adverse health effects for those who come into direct physical contact with it.
It can cause seizures, vomiting and loss of consciousness. It is used in industry for metal cleaning, plating and extraction.
Latest pictures from the scene at Grimsby Port
Monday 10 March 2025 21:03
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Barney Davis
Marine biologist hopeful jet fuel less harmful for aquatic life
Monday 10 March 2025 20:45
,
Barney Davis
Mapped: paths of Stena Immaculate and Solong before collision
Monday 10 March 2025 20:30
,
Jabed Ahmed
'Wildlife of the Yorkshire coast is of immense biological, cultural and economic importance'
Monday 10 March 2025 20:15
,
Barney Davis
Dr Tom Webb, senior lecturer in marine ecology and conservation at the University of Sheffield, said: “In addition to the wealth of marine life that is present all year round, this time of the year is crucial for many migratory species.
“Wading birds and waterfowl gather in large numbers as they move between wintering and breeding grounds, while soon Yorkshire’s iconic seabirds will be coming inshore to breed at sites like the world famous Brampton Cliffs.
“Chemical pollution resulting from incidents of this kind can directly impact birds, and it can also have long-lasting effects on the marine food webs that support them.
“We have to hope that any spills can be quickly contained and pollution minimised.”
One Solong crew member still missing
Monday 10 March 2025 19:04
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Barney Davis
One member of the Solong crew was still missing as night fell, according to the ship's Hamburg-based owner, Ernst Russ.
He confirmed that the search is still underway, before adding: "13 of the 14 Solong crew members have been brought safely ashore. Efforts to locate the missing crew member are ongoing."
Government sources told The Times that one member of Solong crew was still missing in the North Sea after conflicting reports emerged.
They added that “search and rescue efforts are focused on the remaining missing crew member”.
Local MP Graham Stuart at first declared that only one person was in hospital and everyone had been rescued. He later told Sky News one person may be unaccounted for, based on the latest information he had been given.
No-one taken to hospital according to ambulance service
Monday 10 March 2025 18:47
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Barney Davis
East Midlands Ambulance Service has said 36 people were assessed at the scene and did not need to be transported to hospital.
Alastair Smith, head of operations for Lincolnshire at East Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "We received a call at 11.28am on Monday 10 March to North Quay in Grimsby, relating to reports of a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire.
"A total of 36 patients were assessed on scene by our ambulance crews and none required transporting to hospital."
Chemical leak could be devastating for Humber puffins, seals and other birds
Monday 10 March 2025 18:39
A wildlife charity boss has said chemicals leaking into the Humber could be “devastating for the wildlife of the estuary” as many birds are gathering offshore ahead of the nesting season and there are “significant numbers” of seals in the area.
Martin Slater, director of operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “East Yorkshire’s coast is home to protected and significant colonies of seabirds including puffins, razorbills, gannets and kittiwakes. Many birds are gathering offshore on the sea ahead of the nesting season.
“There are significant numbers of Atlantic grey seals in the area, many rearing this year’s young, as well as porpoises and other cetaceans around Spurn.
“If pollution spillage enters the Humber, this could potentially be devasting for the wildlife of the estuary, including important fish stocks and tens of thousands of overwintering and migrating birds who use the mud flats.”
Environmental group calls for end of Big Oil era after North Sea fire
Monday 10 March 2025 18:25
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Barney Davis
An environmental charity executive has called for cleaner energy sources amid fears the North Sea collision and chemical spill could contaminate fish, bird and seal populations.
Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, said: “This tragic event shows once again that spills occur everywhere Big Oil goes, be it drilling the ocean floor or transporting fossil fuels around the world.
“We are now seeing toxic oil pouring from the 183-metre-long tanker into – or very near – a sensitive area designated to protect declining harbour porpoises.
“As these animals are forced to come to the surface to breathe, they risk inhaling poisonous fumes and choking on oil.
“Local livelihoods could well be threatened in the North East since oil contamination can impact commercial fish populations, along with the shellfish industry, in addition to the potential impacts on human health.
“We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the destruction this industry causes. Ending the era of Big Oil and building a future powered by clean, renewable energy is paramount, for UK seas, for our communities and our future.”
What is sodium cyanide and how dangerous is it?
Monday 10 March 2025 18:03
Sodium cyanide is a white solid with a faint almond-like smell that releases hydrogen cyanide gas, a highly toxic chemical asphyxiant that interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen.
Exposure to sodium cyanide can be rapidly fatal, according to the CDC.
Sodium cyanide is water reactive and can be used to contaminate water.
Hazardous concentrations may develop quickly in enclosed, poorly-ventilated, or low-lying areas.
Hydrogen cyanide gas produced from sodium cyanide mixes well with air and can be lethal within seconds of exposure. The chemical is used commercially for fumigation, electroplating, extracting gold and silver from ores and chemical manufacturing.
The early symptoms of cyanide poisoning include lightheadedness, giddiness, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, feeling of neck constriction and suffocation, confusion, restlessness, and anxiety, according to the CDC.
No indication of malicious activity in ship collision
Monday 10 March 2025 17:47
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Barney Da
