A cargo ship collided with a tanker carrying jet fuel off the coast of eastern England on Monday, causing both vessels to catch fire and leading to a significant rescue operation, as reported by emergency services.
Approximately 32 individuals were evacuated from the scene, although their well-being was not immediately disclosed. The tanker’s operator confirmed the safety of all its crew members.
The MV Stena Immaculate, a U.S.-flagged tanker transporting chemical and oil products, was stationed near Grimsby port on Monday morning after departing from Greece, as indicated by the ship-tracking service VesselFinder. On the other hand, the cargo ship involved in the collision was the Solong, a Portugal-flagged container vessel traveling from Grangemouth in Scotland to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
U.S.-based Crowley Ship Management, which operates the Stena Immaculate, said the tanker “sustained a ruptured cargo tank containing Jet-A1 fuel,” when the container ship struck it, triggering a fire and “multiple explosions onboard,” with fuel released into the sea.
Ambulances leaving the port after a ship collided with a tanker. (Reuters)
U.K. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was being kept up to date on the developing situation.
“I want to thank all emergency service workers involved for their continued efforts in responding to the incident,” she said.
