North Sea Collision: Tanker and Cargo Ship Disentangled as Salvage Crews Assess Damage
A major maritime collision in the North Sea has taken a new turn as two vessels involved in the crash have finally separated, allowing salvage crews to assess the full extent of the damage. The incident, which occurred off the East Yorkshire coast on Monday, involved the US-registered tanker Stena Immaculate, carrying jet fuel for the US military, and the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Solong, transporting the hazardous chemical sodium cyanide.
WATCH OUR LATEST VIDEO FOR MORE INSIGHT
Salvage Operations Underway
Martijn Schuttevaer, a spokesperson for Boskalis—the company leading the salvage efforts—confirmed that the vessels had disentangled overnight, making the recovery process “less complicated.” However, he cautioned that more inspections were needed before confirming whether fires on board had been fully extinguished.
“We are hoping to get close enough to the vessel today to take temperature readings and determine if the fire is completely out,” Schuttevaer stated. “It would be premature to declare the fire extinguished because we don’t yet know the conditions below deck.”
Rescue and Search Efforts
According to HM Coastguard, 36 crew members were successfully rescued following the collision, with one individual requiring hospitalization. However, a crew member from the Solong remains missing, and the search has been called off after extensive efforts.
One survivor from the Stena Immaculate described the moment of impact, stating that the Solong “came out of the blue,” colliding at a speed of 16 knots. Crew members were forced to abandon the tanker, leaving behind their belongings as they scrambled into life rafts.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
The incident has raised significant environmental concerns, particularly after reports confirmed that some jet fuel had leaked into the North Sea near the Humber Estuary. Investigations are ongoing to determine if any sodium cyanide has entered the water.
Alastair Hay, a professor of environmental toxicology at Leeds University, warned that if the chemical dissolves in water, it could produce hydrogen cyanide gas, posing a potential risk to rescue crews and marine life.
Authorities have yet to confirm the extent of environmental damage, but containment efforts are expected to be implemented once salvage crews secure the vessels.
Military and Geopolitical Implications
A U.S. government official confirmed that the Stena Immaculate was carrying jet fuel in support of the Department of Defense. However, the official assured that the incident would not impact military operations or combat readiness.
Meanwhile, maritime investigators from the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch have been deployed to assess the cause of the collision. Questions remain as to whether human error, poor visibility, or technical failures played a role in the crash.
Next Steps
Once fires are confirmed to be extinguished, the Stena Immaculate is expected to be towed to a designated port of refuge. The location has yet to be determined.
Authorities and environmental agencies continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to mitigate risks and determine the next course of action. The investigation into the cause of the collision remains ongoing.
Reference
North Sea Collision: Tanker and Cargo Ship Disentangled as Salvage Crews Assess Damage