A large-scale rescue and emergency response operation is underway after an oil tanker and a cargo ship collided off the Yorkshire coast, resulting in a fire and concerns over a potential environmental disaster. The collision occurred on Monday morning near the Humber Estuary, with both vessels catching fire following the impact.
At least 32 people have been rescued and brought ashore, though it remains unclear how many crew members are still unaccounted for. Helicopters and rescue boats from multiple locations, including Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes, have been deployed to the scene. Civilian boats have also reportedly joined the rescue efforts, responding to a coastguard alert for assistance.
The U.S.-flagged oil tanker, MV Stena Immaculate, was anchored at the time of the collision when it was struck by the Portugal-flagged container ship MV Solong. Initial reports suggest that one of the tanker’s cargo tanks was ruptured, and fuel has been seen leaking into the water. The Stena Immaculate was reportedly carrying jet fuel, increasing concerns about the fire and the potential for environmental damage.
Eyewitness accounts and footage from the scene show large plumes of black smoke rising from the burning vessels, with port authorities describing the explosion as a “massive fireball.” Specialist firefighting vessels have been sent to contain the blaze, and local residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the thick smoke.
Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East, provided updates on the rescue efforts, stating that an initial group of 13 casualties were brought ashore on a Windcat 33 vessel, followed by 10 more on a harbor pilot boat. Another nine individuals were later transported to safety. While the conditions of those rescued remain unclear, Boyers indicated that all were alive. The BBC later reported that the entire crew of the Stena Immaculate had been accounted for and were safe.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has launched an inquiry into the incident and has sent a team to Grimsby to assess the situation. An MAIB spokesperson confirmed that investigators are gathering evidence to determine the cause of the collision and will decide on further actions after an initial assessment.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed concern over the incident and stated that she is in contact with officials and HM Coastguard as the response efforts continue. She also thanked emergency service workers for their ongoing efforts in managing the situation.
Maritime experts have begun weighing in on potential causes of the collision. David McFarlane, a consultant in maritime risk and safety, noted that if the Stena Immaculate was at anchor at the time of the crash, it would likely have limited liability, as anchored vessels have little ability to avoid an incoming collision. Retired Rear Admiral Christopher Parry emphasized that maintaining a proper lookout is a fundamental rule of navigation, raising questions about how the collision occurred.
A recording of the coastguard’s emergency alert indicated that both vessels were abandoning ship following the crash. The alert stated that the Stena Immaculate was carrying jet fuel, which was now on fire and leaking into the water, and requested that vessels with firefighting equipment assist while maintaining a safe distance.
The Stena Immaculate, a 600-foot-long tanker built in 2017, is co-owned by Stena Bulk and U.S.-based Crowley, which operates the vessel. It had been anchored outside Hull after arriving from the Greek port of Agioi Theodoroi. The Solong, a 461-foot-long cargo ship built in 2005, had been traveling from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, carrying commercial goods.
HM Coastguard confirmed that emergency response efforts are ongoing, with rescue helicopters, lifeboats, and a fixed-wing aircraft assisting in the operation. Fire crews from South Yorkshire have also been dispatched to combat the blaze, with officials urging those nearby to remain indoors.
The Humber Estuary, where the collision occurred, is one of the busiest maritime regions in the UK, with over 34,000 ship movements recorded in 2021. The Port of Grimsby East, part of the larger Humber Ports complex, plays a significant role in automotive imports, offshore wind servicing, and cargo handling.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue and containment efforts progress.
