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Wednesday, Mar 12, 2025
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Significant Rescue Mission in Progress Following Collision Between Tanker and Cargo Vessel in the North Sea
Thirty-two people were injured when a fire consumed boats after an incident near East Yorkshire.
A major rescue operation was launched following a crash between an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea on Monday, injuring thirty-two people.
The injured individuals were evacuated and treated aboard three vessels, as confirmed by Martyn Boyers, the director of Grimsby port, who stated that ambulances were waiting on the quay to support those affected.
The emergency response was coordinated by the United Kingdom Coastguard after reports emerged about the collision off the East Yorkshire coast.
A Coastguard representative mentioned that an evaluation of the potential pollution consequences was in progress.
Visual coverage from UK television revealed a large cloud of thick black smoke and flames rising from the crash site, located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from shore.
Fire incidents were noted on both ships involved, prompting a response from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
The RNLI also reported that several crew members had evacuated the ships during the emergency.
The International Maritime Organization indicated that the immediate focus was on firefighting operations and search and rescue activities.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her concern over the incident and confirmed her communication with officials and HM Coastguard as the situation develops, appreciating the quick response of emergency services.
The alert regarding the collision was triggered at 0948 GMT.
The Coastguard activated helicopters, aircraft, lifeboats from four towns, and surrounding vessels for the extensive rescue operation.
Stena Bulk, the Swedish oil tanker company, confirmed ownership of the Stena Immaculate, the tanker involved in the incident, which is operated by the US-based company Crowley.
As per the ship tracking service MarineTraffic, the Stena Immaculate was anchored close to its destination in Immingham after arriving from Greece with petroleum products.
Associated British Ports (ABP), which manages the Port of Hull and Immingham, acknowledged knowledge of the incident and stated it was assisting the Coastguard.
The cargo ship involved in the collision was identified as the Portuguese-flagged Solong, owned by the German company Reederei Koepping.
Collisions in the North Sea are uncommon, although they have occurred in the past.
In October 2023, two cargo ships, Verity and Polesie, collided near Germany's Heligoland islands, resulting in three deaths and two individuals missing.
The Isle-of-Man-flagged Verity subsequently sank while carrying steel from Bremen to Immingham.
Another notable incident occurred in October 2015 when the Flinterstar freighter collided with the Al Oraiq tanker, leading to the Flinterstar's sinking while it was transporting significant amounts of diesel and fuel oil.
The injured individuals were evacuated and treated aboard three vessels, as confirmed by Martyn Boyers, the director of Grimsby port, who stated that ambulances were waiting on the quay to support those affected.
The emergency response was coordinated by the United Kingdom Coastguard after reports emerged about the collision off the East Yorkshire coast.
A Coastguard representative mentioned that an evaluation of the potential pollution consequences was in progress.
Visual coverage from UK television revealed a large cloud of thick black smoke and flames rising from the crash site, located about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from shore.
Fire incidents were noted on both ships involved, prompting a response from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
The RNLI also reported that several crew members had evacuated the ships during the emergency.
The International Maritime Organization indicated that the immediate focus was on firefighting operations and search and rescue activities.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her concern over the incident and confirmed her communication with officials and HM Coastguard as the situation develops, appreciating the quick response of emergency services.
The alert regarding the collision was triggered at 0948 GMT.
The Coastguard activated helicopters, aircraft, lifeboats from four towns, and surrounding vessels for the extensive rescue operation.
Stena Bulk, the Swedish oil tanker company, confirmed ownership of the Stena Immaculate, the tanker involved in the incident, which is operated by the US-based company Crowley.
As per the ship tracking service MarineTraffic, the Stena Immaculate was anchored close to its destination in Immingham after arriving from Greece with petroleum products.
Associated British Ports (ABP), which manages the Port of Hull and Immingham, acknowledged knowledge of the incident and stated it was assisting the Coastguard.
The cargo ship involved in the collision was identified as the Portuguese-flagged Solong, owned by the German company Reederei Koepping.
Collisions in the North Sea are uncommon, although they have occurred in the past.
In October 2023, two cargo ships, Verity and Polesie, collided near Germany's Heligoland islands, resulting in three deaths and two individuals missing.
The Isle-of-Man-flagged Verity subsequently sank while carrying steel from Bremen to Immingham.
Another notable incident occurred in October 2015 when the Flinterstar freighter collided with the Al Oraiq tanker, leading to the Flinterstar's sinking while it was transporting significant amounts of diesel and fuel oil.
