Oil Tanker Collides with Cargo Ship: Fire Erupts in the North Sea

An oil tanker has collided with a cargo ship off the coast of Britain, leading to a significant fire and prompting a search for a missing crew member.

The incident occurred when the oil tanker, identified as the Stena Immaculate, crashed into the cargo vessel Solong under circumstances that remain unclear. Following the collision, the Stena Immaculate caught fire, and the blaze continued to rage twelve hours later, according to the UK Coastguard.

Efforts to locate the one missing crew member from the Solong have been suspended after extensive search operations yielded no results. A total of 36 crew members from both vessels were safely rescued and brought ashore. However, one individual from the incident has been hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the collision.

According to Crowley, the shipping company involved, jet fuel was released into the sea as a result of the accident. The UK Coastguard is currently assessing measures to mitigate potential environmental damage caused by the spill.

Reports indicate that the Stena Immaculate was carrying fuel intended for the U.S. military at the time of the accident. The tanker sails under the U.S. flag, while the Solong operates under the Portuguese flag. At the time of the collision, the Solong was reportedly anchored.

As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, authorities are focused on ensuring the safety of the crew members and addressing the environmental implications of the incident. The Coastguard has reiterated its commitment to monitoring the situation closely and implementing necessary preventive measures.