North Sea Collision: Tanker And Cargo Ship Crash, Catch Fire. One Person Missing. Potential Environmental Disaster. Statement From Stena Bulk.

A major maritime incident unfolded in the North Sea yesterday, March 10, when an oil tanker and a cargo ship collided off the East Yorkshire coast. The collision caused a jet fuel spill, and both vessels caught fire. Dozens of people abandoned the vessels after the crash, and the Coastguard rescued 36 people, but one crew member remains missing. The accident is considered one of the worst marine disasters in recent UK maritime history.

The Stena Immaculate, operated by Stena Bulk, was at anchor when the Solong, a container vessel, struck it. The impact breached a cargo tank carrying Jet A-1 fuel, leading to an immediate fire outbreak. Emergency response teams, led by HM Humber Coastguard, have been deployed to the area to contain the situation.

Initial reports indicated that one person had been taken to the hospital. However, updated information from East Midlands Ambulance Service confirms that 36 crew members were assessed at the scene and did not require hospitalisation. All 23 on board the oil tanker Stena Immaculate are accounted for, but one of the 14 Solong cargo ship crew members is missing.

It has been reported that the Solong was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, a highly toxic compound that can release deadly hydrogen cyanide gas upon contact with water or extreme heat. The vessel was also transporting an unspecified quantity of alcohol, further complicating the emergency response.

Wildlife experts have expressed grave concerns over the potential environmental disaster unfolding in the region. Martin Slater, director of operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, cited by Sky News, highlighted the area’s ecological significance, pointing to the presence of over 150,000 overwintering birds and colonies of grey seals.

Mr Slater explained that the plume of black smoke from the burning vessels contains cyanide, fuel and plastics, all of which will eventually settle on the sea surface or drift inland. This is highly toxic to marine life and comes when breeding birds and seal pups are particularly vulnerable.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to mobilise over 800 volunteers should the need arise to remove contaminants or rescue affected wildlife. The organisation also works with authorities to assess the long-term impact on local ecosystems.

Efforts to contain the fire and prevent further environmental damage continue. Emergency services remain on high alert as authorities work to assess the full extent of the damage and mitigate the risks posed by the hazardous cargo. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as emergency teams navigate the challenges posed by this developing maritime crisis.

Erik Hånell, President and CEO of Stena Bulk, said on March 10 through an official statement that, “Stena Bulk reports that at approximately 1000 hrs UTC today, its oil/product tanker Stena Immaculate (IMO 9693018) was involved in an allision with the container ship SOLONG (IMO 9322554) while anchored off Hull in the North Sea. As a result of the incident, a cargo tank on the tanker carrying Jet A-1 fuel was breached, and a fire broke out.”

Mr Hånell continued, “The crew of the Stena Immaculate abandoned the vessel and are all safe and accounted for.”

“Stena Immaculate is operated and managed by Crowley, a US-based logistics, marine, and energy solutions company 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.”

President and CEO of Stena Bulk added, “A significant support operation is present in the vicinity and is being coordinated by HM Humber Coastguard. Crowley is taking primacy with communications on this incident.” he concluded.