On the morning of March 10, 2025, disaster struck off the east coast of England when two vessels—a chemical and oil tanker named Stena Immaculate and the Portuguese freighter Solong—collided, sending the tanker up in flames. The accident, which occurred near the coast of East Yorkshire at approximately 11:00 AM CET, has left at least 32 individuals injured, and several crew members from both ships are reportedly missing.
The Norwegian-flagged Stena Immaculate, which had been anchored off the Humber river estuary since March 9, was loaded with aviation fuel intended for the U.S. military when it was rammed by the Solong, which was en route from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands. Reports indicate the collision was so severe it tore open the tanker, resulting in immediate flames and oil spilling. Eyewitness accounts described seeing a “huge fireball” erupt following the impact, visible from some distance.
The master of the Solong, identified by various reports, failed to navigate properly, resulting in the unfortunate collision with the tanker, which had been stationary at the time. A spokesperson for the port of Grimsby stated, “It’s still early to determine the full scope of the disaster,” emphasizing the rescue operation's priority.
The collision triggered emergency measures coordinated by the HM Coastguard, which dispatched multiple rescue boats and helicopters to respond to the incident. Rescue operations are continuing as local authorities report at least 37 crew members had been brought to safety, with one person needing hospitalization. “All other crew members have been accounted for and are safe,” said Crowley, the company managing the tanker’s technical operations.
Despite the immediate focus on firefighting and rescuing personnel, environmentalists, including representatives from Greenpeace, have raised concerns about potential pollution. The British Coast Guard has indicated it is likely the accident will lead to environmental contamination, as significant amounts of aviation fuel entered the water during the incident.
“Both the speed of the vessels and the scale of the fire is worrying,” stated Greenpeace, indicating the severity of the disaster remains to be evaluated. They noted the extent of the environmental impact would depend on various factors, including the type and quantity of oil, as well as weather conditions at the time of the spill.
Photographs and videos from the scene depict thick plumes of smoke rolling from the vessel, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Authorities reported dealing with “multiple explosions on board” during the initial moments of the fire, making the situation even more perilous for rescuers.
According to the latest information, the Stena Immaculate, which can accommodate up to 50,000 tons of oil and measures 183 meters long, was launched in 2017. It is owned by the Swedish Stena Bulk company but operates under U.S. management and is part of the U.S. government's fuel supply program for military use. The Solong, measuring over 140 meters, had been carrying freight when the collision occurred.
Emergency services are preparing to combat any potential aftereffects of this disaster, with specialized ships and helicopters deployed to manage the situation. The full deployment of resources reflects the seriousness of the incident, with the track of the vessels monitored closely as investigations commence.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed grave concern over the situation, stating, “We are monitoring this distressing incident closely and are grateful to the emergency services for their rapid response and efforts.” With investigations underway to understand all contributing factors, the coastal region is bracing for possible impacts on the marine ecosystem.
The incident highlights the inherent dangers associated with maritime transport, especially with hazardous materials involved. The potential environmental ramifications and the fate of the crew members lost remain pressing issues as local and national authorities launch investigations.
While local emergency services work tirelessly to contain the fire and assist those injured, the long-term consequences of the tanker collision are likely to be felt by the community and the environment for some time to come.