An oil tanker caught fire on March 10, 2025, after colliding with the cargo ship Solong off the coast of Great Britain, leading to multiple explosions and serious safety concerns.
The incident occurred near the port city of Hull, approximately 16 kilometers off the East Yorkshire coastline, at around 9:48 AM local time. According to the British Coast Guard, the collision has resulted in at least 32 injuries, with one individual reported missing.
Martyn Boyers, the harbor master at Grimsby, confirmed the number of injured individuals, stating, "There are reports of oil leaking," adding to the growing concerns surrounding environmental pollution due to damaged tanks on board the MV Stena Immaculate. The ship, which carried aviation fuel belonging to the US Department of Defense, was reportedly anchored at the time of the collision.
Eyewitness accounts described the disaster vividly. A representative from the local harbor said, "There was a massive fireball" following the crash, illustrating the severe impact of the incident. Images from the scene show thick black smoke billowing from both damaged vessels, as multiple agencies coordinated rescue operations.
The British Coast Guard has deployed significant resources, including rescue helicopters and support ships. A multi-purpose vessel named Mellum from Germany was also dispatched to assist with oil recovery and firefighting, expected to arrive by March 11.
Meanwhile, the Bundeswehr has placed its DO 228 aircraft, nicknamed the "Öljäger" (oil hunter), on standby to detect pollutants in the water, pending favorable weather conditions for deployment.
While the immediate firefighting efforts have managed to bring the fires under control, the leaking fuel has raised alarms about potential ecological disasters, prompting environmental organizations like Greenpeace to monitor the situation closely. One spokesperson noted, "Both the high speed and the videos of the aftermath give cause for great concern," emphasizing the unpredictable nature of pollution impact, dependent on weather and spill response.
Stena Bulk, the operator of the MV Stena Immaculate, reassured the public, stating, "The entire crew is alive," confirming successful evacuation of all but one crew member who remains unaccounted for. The cargo ship Solong, under Portuguese flag and owned by German interests, was en route to Rotterdam at the time of the incident.
The UK Prime Minister's office articulated the incident as "extremely concerning," highlighting the need for swift action and investigation. The full circumstances surrounding the collision, including how two sizable vessels managed to collide, remain under scrutiny.
The size of the ships adds gravity to the investigation; the MV Stena Immaculate measures 183 meters long, and the Solong is 140 meters. Experts suggest this incident may result not only in substantial environmental repercussions but also ramifications for shipping safety protocols moving forward.
With one crew member from Solong still missing, the operational focus will now shift to extending search efforts as many hope for the best outcome amid this alarming maritime incident. Further reports will provide updates on the investigation results and environmental assessments as the situation evolves.