News Flash: Cargo ship and oil tanker collide in the North Sea
On March 10, 2025, a collision occurred in the North Sea off the East Yorkshire coast between the U.S.-flagged oil tanker MV Stena Immaculate and the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MV Solong. The incident resulted in fires and explosions on both vessels, leading to significant environmental and safety concerns. The news brings with it many concerns for the local eco-system.
The Stena Immaculate sustained a ruptured cargo tank after the Solong crashed into it. The impact caused ‘multiple explosions’ and released jet fuel into the water. The ship was carrying approximately 220,000 barrels of jet fuel, while the Solong was transporting sodium cyanide, raising additional environmental and health risks.
The Crew
All 23 crew members aboard the Stena Immaculate were accounted for, and no injuries were reported. Of the 14 crew members on the Solong, 13 were rescued, and one remained missing. The search for the missing crew member was later called off. Lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes were scrambled, as were a number of firefighters.
The Investigation
Authorities have initiated investigations into the cause of the collision, with early reports not ruling out foul play. Witnesses claim that while the weather conditions were foggy, the container ship appeared to make a direct line towards the oil tanker, which was at anchor in the Humber Estuary, Hull. One crew member has reportedly stated that MV Solong came out of the blue, meaning the crew had minutes to react.
Footage of the incident showed huge plumes of thick black smoke rising from the collision scene, causing a large inferno that appeared to be burning horrifyingly out of control 10 miles from the East Yorkshire coast.
Environmental experts are assessing the impact of the fuel and chemical spills on marine life and coastal ecosystems. They will continue to keep a close eye on the situation while HM Coastguard has said it is assessing the ‘likely counter pollution response required’ after the collision in the North Sea. The incident remains ongoing and an assessment of the likely counter pollution response required is being enacted.’
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