North Sea collision - latest: Search for missing cargo ship crew member ends as fire still burns on oil tanker

WorldEnvironment
11 Mar 2025 • 11:48 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The search for the missing crew member has ended as fires continue to burn after an oil tanker carrying jet fuel and a cargo ship loaded with highly toxic chemicals collided in the North Sea off the coast of East Yorkshire yesterday.

The crash, which occurred just before 9.50am, involved the US-registered Stena Immaculate, transporting fuel for the US military, and the Portuguese-flagged Solong. HM Coastguard confirmed that 36 people were rescued, with one taken to hospital.

As night fell, one member of the Solong crew remained missing, according to the ship’s Hamburg-based owner, Ernst Russ. But now, the search for the missing crew member – who had been aboard the Solong – has been called off.

Matthew Atkinson, divisional commander for HM Coastguard said: “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,” he said earlier.

The smaller Solong vessel was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, according to a report from maritime data provider Lloyd’s List Intelligence.

Key Points

  • Coastguard calls off search for final missing crew member
  • Jet-Al fuel onboard Stena Immaculate spills into North Sea
  • Too early to know environmental damage, Greenpeace says
  • How does the coastguard respond to marintine pollution and oil spills?
  • Mapped: Where did the ships collide?

Oil tanker leaks jet fuel after collision as firefighting efforts continue

03:40

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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.

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:

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'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

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Jabed Ahmed

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Ships still on fire, coastguard says

Monday 10 March 2025 22:37

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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

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Marine biologist hopeful jet fuel less harmful for aquatic life

Monday 10 March 2025 20:45

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Barney Davis

Mapped: paths of Stena Immaculate and Solong before collision

Monday 10 March 2025 20:30

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Jabed Ahmed

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'Wildlife of the Yorkshire coast is of immense biological, cultural and economic importance'

Monday 10 March 2025 20:15

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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.”

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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.”

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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 Davis

A tanker carrying jet fuel for the US military was struck by a container ship carrying highly toxic Sodium Cyanide, igniting a blaze and multiple explosions.

The tanker, which has the potential to carry tens of thousands of tons of jet fuel, was at anchor when the smaller container ship struck it at speed, rupturing its cargo tank and releasing fuel into the sea.

Two maritime security sources said there was no indication of any malicious activity or other actors involved in the incident.

Sodium cyanide on board cargo ship

Monday 10 March 2025 17:20

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Barney Davis

The Solong vessel, which was involved in a collision off the coast of Britain on Monday, is carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide among other cargo, according to a report from maritime data provider Lloyd’s List Intelligence.

The container vessel was also transporting an unknown quantity of alcohol, the casualty report - an assessment of incidents at sea - said, citing a message from the local coastguard.

Sodium cyanide 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, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say.

The UK coastguard authority did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It came as the US Military confirmed the oil tanker was en route to US Navy’s Sealift Command.

Pictured: Desperate struggle to put out flames on North Sea

Monday 10 March 2025 17:16

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Barney Davis

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Watch live aerials after oil tanker and cargo ship collide in North

Monday 10 March 2025 17:06

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Barney Davis

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Fire engines arrive at Grimsby port to help put out fire

Monday 10 March 2025 17:03

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Barney Davis

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Air and sea exclusion zone established

Monday 10 March 2025 17:00

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Barney Davis

Sky News is reporting that a five mile air and sea exclusion zone around the tanker collision has been established as authorities try to put out the fire at sea.

It is understood this could be widened later to a 10-mile exclusion zone.

Downing Street says cause of collision 'still becoming clear'

Monday 10 March 2025 16:28

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said it was an "extremely concerning situation".

He said: "We thank the emergency services for their rapid response. I understand the Department for Transport is working closely with the coastguard to help support the response to the incident.

"We're obviously monitoring the situation, we'll continue to co-ordinate the response and we're grateful to emergency personnel for their continued efforts.

"Asked if there were any theories about what happened, the spokesman said: "My understanding is the details are still becoming clear, so I don't want to speculate on that."

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed a team to conduct a preliminary assessment, the spokesman said.

MP's heart goes out to crew and rescuers as he issues update on fire

Monday 10 March 2025 16:26

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Barney Davis

Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness Graham Stuart MP is calling for “proper accountability” for the human and ecological impacts of this North Sea collision.

Stena Immaculate CEO confirms crew 'all safe and accounted for'

Monday 10 March 2025 16:16

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Barney Davis

Erik Hånell, President & CEO, Stena Bulk said work was continuing to contain the fire in the North Sea.

In a statement, he said: “As a result of the incident, a cargo tank on the tanker carrying Jet A-1 fuel was breached, and a fire broke out. The crew of the Stena Immaculate abandoned the vessel and are all safe and accounted for.

“Stena Immaculate is operated and managed by the US-based logistics, marine and energy solutions company Crowley, serving government and commercial contracts.

“Crowley immediately initiated its emergency vessel response plan and is actively working with partners and the authorities to contain the fire and secure the vessel.

“A significant support operation is present in the vicinity and is being coordinated by HM Humber Coastguard.

“Crowley are taking primacy with communications on this incident.”

Watch | More than 30 casualties brought ashore

Monday 10 March 2025 16:09

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Jabed Ahmed

Environment minister 'shocked and concerned' about North Sea collision

Monday 10 March 2025 16:07

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Barney Davis

Baroness Hayman of Ullock said she was “extremely shocked and concerned” about the North Sea collision.

Speaking in Parliament, Eevironment minister Lady Hayman said the Environment Agency was also engaging on any clean-up needed.

Describing it as an “emerging picture”, she added: “We are speaking very closely in Defra (the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) to the Department for Transport and Maritime and Coastguard Agency, who are leading the Government response on this and who are at the moment assessing the situation.”

Too early to know environmental damage, Greenpeace says

Monday 10 March 2025 15:57

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Jabed Ahmed

Greenpeace UK said it was “too early” to know the extent of any environmental damage.

A spokesperson said: “We are monitoring reports of a cargo vessel crashing into an oil tanker off the coast of Yorkshire very closely.

“Both the high speed of the collision and the footage of the aftermath are cause for great concern.

“Right now, our thoughts are with all those affected by the incident and the emergency services responding to the situation.

“At this stage, it’s too early to assess the extent of any environmental damage. But the magnitude of any impact will depend on a number of factors, including the amount and type of oil carried by the tanker, the fuel carried by both ships, and how much of that, if any, has entered the water.

“Sea and weather conditions will also be important in determining how any spill behaves.

“In the case of an oil spill or any loss of hazardous cargo from the container ship involved, the speed of the response will also be crucial in limiting any impact.”

Watch | Smoke billows from oil tanker and cargo ship collision in North Sea

Monday 10 March 2025 15:49

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Jabed Ahmed

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One person in hospital, local MP says

Monday 10 March 2025 15:46

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Jabed Ahmed

Graham Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness, said he understood that only one person was in hospital following the collision.

The Tory MP said: “Like many people across Beverley and Holderness and beyond, I’ve been watching the images from off the coast of Withernsea with a great deal of concern.

“I’ve now spoken with the Transport Secretary and I understand that only one person is in hospital.

“The other 36 mariners across both crews are safe and accounted for.

“While we will be thankful that everyone has been brought ashore, I continue to be concerned about the potential ecological impact.

“That’s why I’m calling for a unified command structure, to bring together government, police, Coastguard, the Environment Agency, local authorities and your MPs together.”

How does the coastguard respond to marintine pollution and oil spills?

Monday 10 March 2025 15:36

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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 own counter-pollution equipment, the coastguards website says.

For pollution originating from land, environmental regulators like the Environment Agency or local councils may take charge.

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.

Coastguard considering counter-pollution response

Monday 10 March 2025 15:29

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Jabed Ahmed

HM Coastguard has said it is assessing the “likely counter pollution response required” after the collision in the North Sea.

It said in a statement: “HM Coastguard is currently co-ordinating the emergency response to reports of a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire resulting in fires aboard both vessels. The alarm was raised at 9.48am.

“A coastguard rescue helicopter from Humberside was called, alongside lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Maplethorpe and Cleethorpes, an HM Coastguard fixed wing aircraft and nearby vessels with fire-fighting capability.

“The incident remains ongoing and an assessment of the likely counter pollution response required is being enacted.”

Full statement from Crowley

Monday 10 March 2025 15:19

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Jabed Ahmed

In a statement posted on social media, maritime firm Crowley, which manages the tanker involved in the collision, said: “At approximately 10am UTC/5am EST on March 10 2025, while anchored off the North Sea coast near Hull, United Kingdom, the Crowley-managed tanker Stena Immaculate was struck by the container ship Solong.

“The Stena Immaculate sustained a ruptured cargo tank containing Jet-Al fuel due to the allision.

“A fire occurred as a result of the allision, and fuel was reported released.

“The Stena Immaculate crew abandoned the vessel following multiple explosions onboard.

“All Crowley mariners are safe and fully accounted for.

“Crowley immediately initiated its emergency vessel response plan and is actively working with public agencies to contain the fire and secure the vessel.

“Our first priority is the safety of the people and environment.

“We will provide more updates as information becomes available.”

Stena Immaculate carrying jet fuel when hit, owner says

Monday 10 March 2025 15:12

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Jabed Ahmed

US-based logistics firm Crowley, which operates and is the joint owner of the MV Stena Immaculate, has said the vessel was carrying jet fuel when it was hit.

In a statement seen by the BBC, the company said: “A fire occurred as a result of the allision, and fuel was reported released. The Stena Immaculate crew abandoned the vessel following multiple explosions onboard. All Crowley mariners are safe and fully accounted for.”

The jet fuel was owned by the US government, according to the BBC.

Watch | Orange flames and black smoke billow from Stena Immaculate

Monday 10 March 2025 15:09

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Jabed Ahmed

Investigators deployed to Grimsby

Monday 10 March 2025 14:57

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Jabed Ahmed

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has sent investigators to Grimsby following the crash between two vessels in the North Sea.

A spokesperson said: “The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed a team to Grimsby following the collision of the Portuguese-registered container ship Solong and the US-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate which collided in the North Sea this morning.

“Our team of inspectors and support staff are gathering evidence and undertaking a preliminary assessment of the accident to determine our next steps.”

Everything we know about Stena Immaculate oil tanker and cargo vessel collision

Monday 10 March 2025 14:53

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Jabed Ahmed

My colleague Bryony Gooch reports:

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Stella Immaculate partially loaded with cargo

Monday 10 March 2025 14:51

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Jabed Ahmed

The US-flagged Stena Immaculate chemical tanker is partially loaded with cargo, shipping data showed.

It was not clear if there was any fuel leak from the collision.

Stena Immaculate was part of fleet available to US military

Monday 10 March 2025 14:41

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Jabed Ahmed

A 2023 statement by shipping manager Crowley shows the Stena Immaculate was part of tanker fleet that can be used by the US military.

"The tankers will continue international commercial operations but can be chartered on a short-term basis to serve the US government's operations," the statement from the US firm said.

New pictures show Stena Immaculate engulfed in flames

Monday 10 March 2025 14:34

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Jabed Ahmed

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All 32 casualties brought in alive, says port chief

Monday 10 March 2025 14:24

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Holly Evans

Speaking to Sky News, the chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East said that all 32 casualties were brought in alive.

Martin Boyers said that he was told to be on standby at around 11am to receive casualties, and that the first boat arrived with 13 people on board.

"We were put on standby around about 11 o'clock to receive casualties - not knowing what condition they were in," he said.

He continued: "There was a line of ambulances waiting to take them to the Princess Diana hospital.

"They were alive. We didn't see [more] the area was sectioned off by police. I do know that they were all alive."

What do we know about both ships?

Monday 10 March 2025 14:16

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Holly Evans

It's understood that the MV Stena Immaculate had travelled from the Greek port of Agioi Theodoroi, and was anchored outside Hull.

It is part of a programme by the US Department of Defence and the US Maritime Administration which is capable of transporting oil for the US army in “times of need”.

The 461ft Portuguese-flagged Solong had been sailing from the Scottish port of Grangemouth to Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.

It was built in 2005 and has the capacity to carry 9,500 tonnes and is thought to be carrying out commercial goods.

The 600ft Stena Immaculate was constructed in 2017, according to the website Martime Optima, and weighs nearly 50,000 tonnes.

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Accident investigators arrive to gather evidence

Monday 10 March 2025 14:00

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Holly Evans

Accident investigators have arrived at the scene in Grimsby to begin gathering evidence as the incident remains ongoing.

A spokesperson for the Marine Accident Investigation Branch said: “The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed a team to Grimsby following the collision of the Portuguese registered container ship Solong and the US registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate which collided in the North Sea this morning.

“Our team of inspectors and support staff are gathering evidence and undertaking a preliminary assessment of the accident to determine our next steps.”

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All Stena Immaculate crew accounted for and safe

Monday 10 March 2025 13:56

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Holly Evans

The BBC has reported that the chief executive Stena Bulk, Erik Hanell, has confirmed that all the crew of the oil tanker the MV Stena Immaculate have been accounted for and are safe.

More than 20 people have reportedly been brought to shore.

Mr Hanell also said it was too early to speculate on the cause of the collision.

Coastguard assessing pollution damage after collision

Monday 10 March 2025 13:53

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Holly Evans

The collision between the oil tanker and the cargo ship has prompted concerns of an environmental disaster, with the Coastguard stating they are carrying out an assessment of the likely counter pollution response.

In a statement they said: “HM Coastguard is currently co-ordinating the emergency response to reports of a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire resulting in fires aboard both vessels. The alarm was raised at 9.48am.

“A Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Humberside was called, alongside lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Maplethorpe and Cleethorpes, an HM Coastguard fixed wing aircraft, and nearby vessels with fire-fighting capability.

“The incident remains ongoing and an assessment of the likely counter pollution response required is being enacted.”

Transport secretary 'concerned' to hear of collision

Monday 10 March 2025 13:43

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Holly Evans

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “I’m concerned to hear of the collision between two vessels in the North Sea this morning and am liaising with officials and HM Coastguard as the situation develops.

“I want to thank all emergency service workers involved for their continued efforts in responding to the incident.”