A dramatic maritime incident unfolded off the East Yorkshire coast as two vessels collided in the North Sea, resulting in fires and a significant rescue operation. The collision occurred about 12 miles from shore, involving the Solong, a Portuguese-flagged cargo ship, and the Stena Immaculate, a US-flagged tanker carrying jet fuel. Despite the chaos, air quality sampling onshore has shown no toxins, and modeling from the Met Office indicates no threat to the public.
The Solong was en route from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands, traveling at approximately 16 knots when it crashed into the anchored Stena Immaculate, which had sailed from Greece. Following several explosions, both vessels caught fire. Emergency teams successfully rescued all 36 crew members from the ships, including Americans on the Stena Immaculate and Russian and Filipino nationals from the Solong.
Initial fears arose that the Solong was transporting sodium cyanide, a highly toxic chemical. However, Ernst Russ, the Hamburg-based owner of the vessel, clarified that four containers that once held the substance were empty.
"The master and our entire team are actively assisting with the investigations."
Source: Ernst Russ
The master of the Solong, a Russian national, has been arrested as investigations into the incident continue. Meanwhile, the Solong is no longer expected to sink and is anchored with support from a tugboat.
Despite efforts to control the situation, it is likely that some of the jet fuel onboard the Stena Immaculate was spilled into the sea. This raises concerns about potential environmental damage.
"A comprehensive counter-pollution response is in place and HM Coastguard continues to make preparations for any pollution that may occur as a result of the damage to the vessels."
Source: John Craig
Authorities have enacted a robust counter-pollution response to mitigate any environmental impact. Extensive work has already been undertaken by various agencies to understand the circumstances of the collision.
"Extensive work has already been carried out, and we are working closely with our partners to understand what happened, and to provide support to all of those affected."
Source: DCS Craig Nicholson