There has been a major collision in the North Sea between an oil tanker and cargo ship.
The Stena Immaculate – a US oil tanker – was hit by the Portuguese cargo ship, the Solong, while at anchor on Monday morning around 13 miles from the East Yorkshire coast – and both ships set on fire. The Stena Immaculate was carrying jet fuel for the US government when it was struck, some of which is spilling into the sea, while The Solong was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide among its cargo, according to a report.
At 10.20am, HM Coastguard tasked Bridlington, Cleethorpes, Mablethorpe and Skegness RNLI to support their response to the two vessels. There were reports that a number of people had abandoned the vessels and there were fires on both ships. By 11.40am, Cleethorpes had been stood down while Bridlington, Mablethorpe and Skegness continued to support search and rescue efforts. 36 people were brought ashore and one was hospitalised. However, one crew member from the Solong is unaccounted for and the search has been called off.
Matthew Atkinson, Divisional Commander for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard has been coordinating the response to an incident reported at 9.48am this morning (10 March). The incident involved a collision between vessels SOLONG and STENA IMMACULATE off the coast of East Yorkshire. Fires were reported on both vessels, two HM Coastguard helicopters, a coastguard fixed wing aircraft and RNLI lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes were sent, along with several nearby vessels with firefighting capabilities.”
Erik Hånell, President & CEO, Stena Bulk, said in a statement: “Stena Bulk reports that at approximately 1000 hrs UTC today, its oil/product tanker Stena Immaculate (IMO 9693018) was involved in an allision with the container ship SOLONG (IMO 9322554) while anchored off Hull in the North Sea. As a result of the incident, a cargo tank on the tanker carrying Jet A-1 fuel was breached, and a fire broke out. The crew of the Stena Immaculate abandoned the vessel and are all safe and accounted for.
“Stena Immaculate is operated and managed by the US-based logistics, marine and energy solutions company Crowley, serving government and commercial contracts. Crowley immediately initiated its emergency vessel response plan and is actively working with partners and the authorities to contain the fire and secure the vessel. A significant support operation is present in the vicinity and is being coordinated by HM Humber Coastguard. Crowley are taking primacy with communications on this incident.”
Responding to the incident, Stuart Rivers, CEO of Merchant Navy Welfare Board, said: “We are devastated to hear of the collision between an oil tanker ship and cargo ship. My heart goes out to all of the seafarers and families affected by this tragic event. Our brave seafarers risk their lives every day to keep global trade moving, and in moments like this, we are reminded of the dangers they face at sea.”
Both vessels remain on fire in the North Sea, raising concerns among experts and environmental groups about the impact on wildlife.
HM Coastguard reported: “An assessment of any required counter pollution response is being carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention is working with the salvors and insurance companies. The incident remains ongoing and updates will be provided throughout.”
As the umbrella charity for the UK Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, MNWB supports 47 member charities across the maritime sector.
Mr Rivers added: “One of our members’ port chaplains is on the scene offering pastoral, spiritual and welfare support to those seafarers affected. We will continue to support our members, colleagues and wider sector during this crisis.”
The MNWB also has 15 Port Welfare Committees and a National Seafarers’ Welfare Board in Gibraltar which act as an information, communication and networking channel between local members and the Board. One of the committees, which are made up of port authorities, maritime charities, ship owners, trade unions and government representatives, is in Humber which took place just two weeks ago.
UP-DATE 11/3/25: The coastguard has confirmed the container vessel is still on fire, and it suspects the ship will eventually sink. In a statement HM Coastguard said: “Chief Coastguard Pat O’Callaghan said: His Majesty’s Coastguard is supporting the Secretary of State’s Representative (SOSREP) in the response to the collision between two vessels, the SOLONG and STENA IMMACULATE, that occurred yesterday morning (10 March) off the coast of East Yorkshire. The SOLONG is still alight and the fire on board the STENA IMMACULATE has greatly diminished. Safety vessels and other vessels with firefighting capabilities are still on scene with more arriving today. At 11.20pm last night the SOLONG separated from the STENA IMMACULATE and began to drift southwards, this is being monitored by HM Coastguard. An exclusion zone of 1km radius has been put in place around both vessels. The Counter Pollution and Salvage Team is assessing the situation and is developing a plan ready for implementation as soon as the situation allows. The SOSREP is working with ship owners, salvors and insurance companies. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is monitoring the situation closely and has confirmed that air quality at ground level is currently within normal levels for the weather conditions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is also assisting in the response, and has advised that any public health risk on shore is currently deemed to be very low. UKHSA risk assessments are under continual review as further information becomes available.”
A statement from Ernst Russ, owner of The Solong, confirms no sodium cyanide was on board the vessel, as had been feared: “We are able to confirm that there are no containers on board ladened with sodium cyanide, as has been misreported. There are four empty containers that have previously contained the hazardous chemical, and these containers will continue to be monitored. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the missing crew member, mindful that the search has been called off. Our first thoughts must be with them at this uncertain and distressing time. All necessary support is being provided to the family. Our team is actively engaged with all local authorities, and we will work with clean-up teams to ensure every effort is made to mitigate further impacts on the marine environment. Ernst Russ will fully assist with the investigations that are to follow.”
UP-DATE 12/3/25: Humberside Police said a 59-year-old man remained in custody after being arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter on Tuesday. A spokesperson for Ernst Russ, which owns the Solong, confirmed that the arrested man is the ship’s captain and that he is a Russian national.
