A major rescue operation has been initiated after an oil tanker, Stena Immaculate, and cargo ship Solong, collided off the coast of East Yorkshire, resulting in major fire breaking out.
According to HM Coastguard, the vessels collided near the Humber Estuary and the alert was raised around 09:48 GMT on Monday. The oil tanker Stena Immaculate reportedly was at anchor when it was struck by Solong. Several lifeboats and a Coastguard helicopter were dispatched to the location following the collision.
In addition, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) reported that multiple people had evacuated the ships following the collision and fire had broken out on both vessels.
The Chief Executive of the Port of Grimsby East. Martyn Boyers stated to BBC that he was told a “massive fireball” was seen after the collision, but adds that the ships were too far away from shore to see. Crowley, which is the operator and joint owner of the Stena Immaculate, says the vessel was carrying jet fuel when it was hit by Solong, sparking fear that the fuel has been spilled into the sea.
“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” a Coastguard spokesperson said.
A Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Humberside was sent alongside lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes, an HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft, and nearby vessels equipped with firefighting capabilities.
BBC reports that more than 30 people were brought ashore alongside other 20 casualties in Grimsby following the collision, however all crew on Stena Immaculate are accounted for and safe, according to Chief Executive of Stena Bulk, Erik Hanell.
Moreover, marine inspectors are gathering evidence after the incident and next steps are being determined following the collision of the two vessels. A spokesperson for the Marine Accident Investigation Branch stated that the Branch has deployed a team to Grimsby.
