North Sea crash latest: Expert claims crew were NOT keeping a ‘proper lookout’ before cataphoric oil tanker and cargo ship smash

The fault obviously lies with the Solong. Machine failure looks very unlikely. The ship was going in a straight line for a long period at quite a high speed.

New pictures emerging of horror fireball collision in North Sea

We can now bring you more pictures of the enormous crash between the Stena Immaculate oil tanker and the Solong cargo ship earlier this morning.

Take a look at the horrifying images below:

Watch: 'Incompetence' caused Yorkshire tanker collision, expert says

The tanker collision off the east Yorkshire coast was caused by 'incompetence', according to oceanographer Dr Simon Boxall.

Watch his interpretation of events below:

How are oil spills contained?

A growing oil spill in the Humber Estuary has sparked concerns of an environmental disaster after an oil tanker and cargo ship crashed off the Yorkshire coast.

Now, as jet fuel leaks out into the estuary, scientists have revealed what can be done to contain the spill.

Nicky Cariglia, director of Marittima which specialises in marine pollution, told MailOnline: 'This will all depend on a number of factors, the type of oil, the weather, the sea state, and how far out the spill is.'

Experts say floating barriers, oil-dispersing chemicals, and even giant sponges could be used to hold back the spreading oil.

By holding the fuel in one place for long enough, boats and specially designed 'skimmers' can suck the fuel back out of the water.

In exceptional circumstances, environmental agencies may even choose to burn the oil 'in situ' - lighting enormous fires on the open water.

Our reporter has more:

Exclusive:RNLI 'put lives at risk' by sending unprotected crew into toxic smoke from jet fuel, whistleblower claims

RNLI cost-saving cuts put lives at risk during the tanker crash response in the North Sea today, a whistleblower has claimed.

Although the RNLI had a GBP2.5million all-weather ship with a covered deck stationed just 10 miles away, it sent an inflatable B class Atlantic 85, the B 887 - an inshore boat that the RNLI's own website says is 'designed to operate in shallower water'.

The RNLI says its all-weather ship, a Severn class, 'can take on the worst sea conditions and comes into her own on long offshore searches and rescues'.

But marine traffic data shows the RNLI's all-weather boat at Grimsby, the RNLI Lifeboat 17 05, was left docked in Grimsby for almost six hours after the crash, which happened at around 10am.

It was only sent out to sea at 3.51pm today, records show.

An RNLI whistleblower told MailOnline this was because there weren't enough crew to man the ship owing to cost-saving cuts imposed by the charity's management.

He said sending volunteers into the toxic fumes from the tanker's burning jet fuel would likely cause 'illness' and presented a danger - and had 'incensed' other volunteers since there was a perfectly functioning all-weather boat nearby.

The whistleblower said: 'They are putting the lives at risk of those on the Atlantic 85. Nobody seems to give a damn about saving lives.'

Our reporter has more:

Risk that heavier ship fuel, deadlier to animals, was spilled along with jet fuel, expert warns

Bempton Cliffs nature reserve, which is near the site of the crash

There is 'concern' that 'heavier ship fuel' was spilled into the ocean after the tanker - carrying jet fuel, which is lighter - crashed, which could 'have a more lasting effect' on animals and the coastline.

Dr Mark Hartl, a marine ecotoxicologist from the Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology at Heriot-Watt University, said any spillage of the jet fuel carried by the tanker would have 'an acute effect' on animals exposed to it, causing them 'stress'.

But more seriously, he added: 'There must also be a concern that heavier ship fuel was spilled as a consequence of the collision which could have a more lasting effect on the coastline.'

Dr Hartl explained, though, that jet fuel is less concerning than crude oil in terms of impact on the marine environment because most of the jet fuel will evaporate extremely quickly.

The crash also happened relatively far from land or an estuary, which will lessen the environmental impact, he said.

Hull council leader calls for emergency government meeting and 'rapid response plan'

Hull Council Leader, Councillor Mike Ross, has called on the Government to hold an emergency meeting in East Yorkshire and to set out a 'Rapid Response Plan' following the events unfolding in the North Sea.

The call comes as a major operation is underway off the east coast of England after an oil tanker and a cargo vessel collided in the North Sea near Hull.

Councillor Ross is calling on the Government to set out exactly what steps it will take as a result of the incident. Mike is also calling on the Government to provide local support services with any assistance they need.

The Liberal Democrat said: 'While a massive emergency response is underway on the ground, we need the same level of action from the Government.

'I am calling for the Government to set out a Rapid Response Plan.

'My thanks and admiration go to all those on the ground here who are doing all they can to work through this deeply troubling event.

We need to see the Government supporting that effort too.'

No indication of malicious activity or actors

Two maritime security sources said there was no indication of any malicious activity or other actors involved in the incident.

'Toxic' mix of jet fuel, sodium cyanide and burning plastic could be 'catastrophic' for wildlife, expert said

The 'toxic' mix of jet fuel, sodium cyanide and burning plastics from the ship collision could be 'catastrophic' for wildlife, an expert has said.

Martin Slater, director of operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, told Sky News that in the plume of black smoke that erupted from the collision, there was 'cyanide, fuel, plastics burning'.

He added: 'That will eventually hit the sea surface or land further down the coast - and that's toxic to all marine life.'

He continued:

This area of east Yorkshire is home to a number of bird reserves, including a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust national nature reserve.

There are 150,000 birds that are overwintering, or trying to survive the winter, in the Humber Estuary currently, along with migrating birds and colonies of grey seals. At this time of year, birds and seals are breeding.

It led Mr Slater to say: 'It couldn't be a worse time really.'

He added that the area is also home to protected and significant colonies of seabirds, including puffins and gannets, with many offshore on the sea ahead of the nesting season.

The trust is prepared to observe if any of the 'toxic' mix of substances burning at the crash site comes ashore, which could be removed, along with any oiled birds, by the organisation's more than 800 volunteers with the help of the authorities.

In the long term, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust could then help to fix any damage to habitats and wildlife.

Gannets gathered at Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, not far from the crash site

Jet fuel carried by oil tanker could degrade 'quickly'

Experts have weighed in on what the pollution risk is following the collision of the oil tanker and cargo ship earlier today - with one saying the US military jet fuel carried by the tanker could be degraded 'quickly'.

Mark Sephton, professor of Organic Geochemistry at Imperial College London, added that the relatively small hydrocarbons of jet fuel could be degraded by bacteria more quickly than larger molecules.

'The fact that we are moving into warmer temperatures will also speed up biodegradation rates,' he said.

A Greenpeace spokesperson said any impact would depend on factors including the amount and type of oil carried by the tanker, the fuel carried by both ships, and how much of that, if any, had entered the water, plus the weather conditions.

One insurance specialist said the pollution risk was lower than if the tanker had been carrying crude oil.

'A lot depends really on cargo carried, how many tanks were breached and how bad the fire is,' the insurance source said.

The US military jet fuel carried by the tanker could degrade 'quickly', one expert has said. Pictured: File photo

Port authorities order all vessels not to leave port

Port authorities have ordered all vessels not to leave port, including Grimsby docks and other docks and ports on the Lincolnshire coast and into the coast of east Yorkshire.

Ocean campaign group: Crash is latest mark of 'destruction' caused by 'Big Oil'

The oil tanker crash that occurred today is just the latest example of the 'destruction' that the 'Big Oil' industry causes, an oceans campaign group has said.

Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, said: 'This tragic event shows once again that spills occur everywhere Big Oil goes, be it drilling the ocean floor or transporting fossil fuels around the world.

'We are now seeing toxic oil pouring from the 183-metre-long tanker into - or very near - a sensitive area designated to protect declining harbour porpoises.

'As these animals are forced to come to the surface to breathe, they risk inhaling poisonous fumes and choking on oil.

'Local livelihoods could well be threatened in the North East since oil contamination can impact commercial fish populations, along with the shellfish industry, in addition to the potential impacts on human health.

'We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the destruction this industry causes. Ending the era of Big Oil and building a future powered by clean, renewable energy is paramount, for UK seas, for our communities and our future.'

Waves roll onto the beach from the North Sea in the town of Withernsea on England's east coast, just near where the crash happened

All mariners actually assessed at scene with none transported to hospital

Mariners involved in the collision being brought ashore to Grimsby, Lincolnshire

Earlier, it was reported that one person was in hospital but the other 36 mariners had been rescued - but now paramedics have confirmed no one was transported to hospital.

Earlier, local Tory MP Graham Stuart said one person was rushed to hospital while the other 36 crew members were saved.

But now the East Midlands Ambulance Service has confirmed that 36 people were assessed at the scene - and no one was transported to hospital.

Alastair Smith, head of operations for Lincolnshire at the service, said: 'We received a call at 11.28am on Monday, March 10, to North Quay in Grimsby, relating to reports of a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire.

'A total of 36 patients were assessed on scene by our ambulance crews and none required transporting to hospital.'

Several lifeboats dispatched had to be recalled because they were not equipped for fire fighting

Fire and rescue services attending the collision today

A number of the lifeboats dispatched to the scene had to be recalled because they were inshore vessels and not equipped for fire fighting.

The initial accident also happened in thick fog.

Officially, the lifeboat stations involved were unable to comment officially because of the ongoing investigation.

But one RNLI man said: 'What could we do?

It was thick fog and we could not see a thing.

'It was a pretty much a non event for us. We are not equipped with fire fighting equipment for this type of incident.

'It was freezing cold and brews all round when we got back.'

It is understood the RNLI operation was being scaled down last night with the Skegness lifeboat being one of the last still at sea.

A Skegness RNLI spokesman refused to comment.

Wildlife authorities say human life will be 'prioritised' - but birds will possibly need to be euthanised

Firefighters attend the collision to put out the blaze

Efforts to protect wildlife would not interfere with emergency services' efforts at the scene, wildlife authorities have said - but it is possible birds will be so hurt, they need to be euthanised.

A spokesperson for Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary said: 'We've explained to everyone that the top priority is human life.

'In regards to wildlife services, everyone just has to sit tight.'

Emergency measures are in place for any injured birds that wash ashore in the coming days, which may include euthanizing animals if their injuries are severe.

The spokesperson went on: 'Hopefully, the effect on wildlife will be minimal, but there is an emergency contingency plan in place if lots of oiled birds wash up.

'A large triage of tents will be set up - we do not know where yet because we have to take into consideration the tidal changes.

'Birds will be transported, recorded, washed and may even have to be euthanized - it's worth noting that the area is an Avian Influenza Area.

'We have a large network ready to go.'

Potential pollution leak from North Sea crash could be 'lethal' to seabirds, experts say

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said the crash could be 'lethal' to seabirds as it was close to the biggest gannet colony in England.

Dave O'Hara, senior site manager at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, said: 'As details continue to emerge, our first thoughts are for the safety of everyone on board and those responding to this incident.

'The East Coast is home to internationally important populations of seabirds.

'The incident is also close to Bempton Cliffs, home to the biggest gannet colony in England.

'Naturally, we are extremely concerned about the potential for a leak from the tanker as oil pollution can seriously damage habitats and be lethal to seabirds.

'We are keeping a close eye on this situation and will work with the relevant marine authorities as is needed.'

Gannets at the Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve

Pollution could be 'devastating' for fish stocks, nesting birds and seals rearing young in area

Pollution could potentially be 'devastating' to the Humber estuary, experts ahve said, with fish, birds and seals at risk.

Pictured: File photo

The pollution released by the North Sea collision between an oil tanker and a container ship could be 'devastating' for fish stocks, nesting birds and seals rearing young in the area, according to wildlife authorities.

Jet fuel carried by the Stena Immaculate tanker was released when it was hit by the Solong on Monday morning, with multiple explosions on board the Stena and flames surrounding the crash site.

Martin Slater, director of operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said pollution could potentially be 'devastating' to the Humber estuary with fish, birds and seals at risk.

He said: 'Our thoughts are with everyone on the ships and the rescue crews. This is obviously a very worrying incident and we're following developments closely, including waiting to see if there is any pollution into the North Sea from this incident.

'East Yorkshire's coast is home to protected and significant colonies of seabirds including puffins, razorbills, gannets and kittiwakes. Many birds are gathering offshore on the sea ahead of the nesting season.

'There are significant numbers of Atlantic grey seals in the area, many rearing this year's young, as well as porpoises and other cetaceans around Spurn.

But, concerningly, he concluded:

Not clear if cargo ship's load of sodium cyanide, deadly to animals, has entered water

The cargo ship was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide when it hit the tanker in the North Sea today, as we reported earlier this evening.

It is not clear at this stage whether any of the chemical has entered the water or been burnt - but if marine animals ingest any of it, it could be deadly to them.

Sodium cyanide can easily dissolve in water and as it interferes with animals' respiration, it can be toxic.

Also, if it is heated, it can give off a toxic gas.

But Dr Mark Hartl, associate professor of marine biology at Herriot Watt University, did say that many marine animals have a strong avoidance reaction - so it is entirely possible they have already left the area.

Beach beside the North Sea in the town of Withernsea on England's east coast, near where the crash happened earlier today

Pollution from crash could ravage bird populations as they migrate, expert says

Gannets play on a cliffside at Bempton Cliffs, near the crash site

The pollution from the crash could ravage bird populations as they migrate, an expert has said.

Dr Tom Webb, Senior Lecturer in Marine Ecology and Conservation at the University of Sheffield, said: 'The wildlife of the Yorkshire coast and Humber Estuary is of immense biological, cultural and economic importance. In addition to the wealth of marine life that is present all year round, this time of the year is crucial for many migratory species.

'Wading birds and waterfowl gather in large numbers as they move between wintering and breeding grounds, while soon Yorkshire's iconic seabirds will be coming inshore to breed at sites like the world famous Bempton Cliffs.

'Chemical pollution resulting from incidents of this kind can directly impact birds, and it can also have long-lasting effects on the marine food webs that support them.

We have to hope that any spills can be quickly contained and pollution minimised.'

Expert: Was the tanker moored correctly and was the ship on the right course?

Professor David Slater, honorary professor in the School of Engineering at Cardiff University, said ships are supposed to stick to lanes to avoid collisions.

'One thing that needs to be established is, where was the tanker moored in relation to the appropriate shipping lane?' he said.

'It will be important to know whether the cargo ship was on the right course or whether the US tanker was incorrectly moored.'

Crew of ship in North Sea collision 'not keeping proper lookout', expert says

The crew of the container ship which collided with the oil tanker in the North Sea were not keeping a 'proper lookout' in the lead-up to the incident, a maritime expert has said.

The Stena Immaculate suffered a ruptured cargo tank causing 'multiple explosions onboard' when it was struck by the MV Solong this morning.

More than 30 casualties have been brought ashore so far.

The American tanker was at anchor when it was hit, according to ship tracking tool Vesselfinder.

Dr Abdul Khalique, head of the Maritime Centre at Liverpool John Moores University, who has been using simulators to reconstruct the incident, said watchkeepers on the Solong would have spotted the imminent collision if they had been 'maintaining a proper lookout by radar'.

Preliminary reports suggest poor visibility may also have played a role in the collision, the expert said.

'Although lookout by sight may have been hampered by the poor prevailing visibility at the time of accident, had the watchkeepers been maintaining a proper lookout by radar, they would have spotted this imminent collision threat and taken an action.'

Both ships appear to have remained in contact for around four minutes, Dr Khalique added.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed investigators to the scene.

Leaking oil has potential to cause huge damage to birds and wildlife on coast

The leaking oil has the potential to cause huge damage to birds and wildlife along the east coast.

Bempton Cliffs, situated about 35 miles further up the North Yorkshire coast, is home to the UK's largest mainland seabird colony and is of international importance.

As well as being a significant tourist attraction, around half a million seabirds, including Gannets, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins breed on the 400ft high chalk cliffs.

It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Experts from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) are closely monitoring the situation as significant oil pollution to the coastal waters could have major consequences for this bird population.

Puffin flies from the rock face at Bempton Cliffs

David O'Hara, senior site manager at RSPB Bempton Cliffs said the area was home to the biggest gannet colony in England. 'Naturally we are extremely concerned about the potential for a leak from the tanker as oil pollution can seriously damage habitats and be lethal to seabirds. We are keeping a close eye on this situation and will work with the relevant marine authorities as is needed.'

The east coast also has a number of popular tourist beaches and seaside towns popular in summer, including Filey, Scarborough, Whitby and Bridlington.

The authorities will be nervously monitoring any pollution for the impact on the tourist industry as well.

Stricken cargo ship was carrying a load of deadly sodium cyanide in its hold

The stricken cargo ship was carrying 15 containers of the deadly chemical sodium cyanide, Reuters has reported.

Citing Lloyds List Intelligence it said that the Solango was transporting the cemical is used for fumigation, electroplating, extracting gold and silver from ores and chemical manufacturing.

The chemical reacts with water to release deadly hydrogen cyanide gas and can explode if it comes into contact.

It is not known how large the containers are, or where in the hold they are stored.

Downing Street says it is refusing to speculate on the cause of the collision

Crew members from Bridlington RNLI return to the lifeboat station in the town of Bridlington after being involved in the rescue operation

Downing Street said details of the cause of the collision were 'still becoming clear'.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said it was an 'extremely concerning situation'.

'We thank the emergency services for their rapid response,' he added. 'I understand the Department for Transport is working closely with the coastguard to help support the response to the incident.

'We're obviously monitoring the situation, we'll continue to co-ordinate the response and we're grateful to emergency personnel for their continued efforts.

Asked if there were any theories about what happened, the spokesman said: 'My understanding is the details are still becoming clear, so I don't want to speculate on that.'

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed a team to conduct a preliminary assessment, the spokesman said.

Could take months to figure out cause of incident, expert says

Independent maritime safety consultant David Mcfarlane has said 'there should be no reason for two ships to collide', but stressed that more will become clear once investigators can get on board the vessels.

Speaking to BBC News, Mr Mcfarlane said 'something has gone very badly wrong', as collision regulations are in place to avoid situations like this.

Whilst it is common for ships to be on autopilot, he said there should always be someone on watch.

As the invesigation continues, Mr Mcfarlane added that it would 'weeks if not months to come to any proper conclusion'.

Environment minister 'extremely shocked and concerned' about North Sea collision

Environment minister Baroness Hayman of Ullock said she was 'extremely shocked and concerned' about the North Sea collision.

Speaking in Parliament, she described the incident as an 'emerging picture' and confirmed that the Environment Agency was engaging on any clean-up needed.

Ms Hayman added: 'We are speaking very closely in Defra (the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) to the Department for Transport and Maritime and Coastguard Agency, who are leading the Government response on this and who are at the moment assessing the situation.'

Coastguard considering counter-pollution response

HM Coastguard has said it is assessing the 'likely counter pollution response required' after the collision in the North Sea.

It said in a statement: 'HM Coastguard is currently co-ordinating the emergency response to reports of a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire resulting in fires aboard both vessels. The alarm was raised at 9.48am.

'A coastguard rescue helicopter from Humberside was called, alongside lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Maplethorpe and Cleethorpes, an HM Coastguard fixed wing aircraft and nearby vessels with fire-fighting capability.

'The incident remains ongoing and an assessment of the likely counter pollution response required is being enacted.'

The North Sea seen off the coast of the town of Withernsea, on England's east coast, near where the crash site is

Investigation into collision 'could take months'

Investigators are making their way to the scene of the crash but it could take months for them to reach a conclusion.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has sent a team to Grimsby to 'gather evidence'.

A spokesperson said: 'Our team of inspectors and support staff are gathering evidence and undertaking a preliminary assessment of the accident to determine our next steps.'

Joshua Hutchinson, a managing director at maritime risk firm Ambrey, told Sky News earlier the investigation could 'take several weeks, if not months'.

One person in hospital, says MP

Graham Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness, said he understood that only one person was in hospital following the collision.

The Tory MP said: 'Like many people across Beverley and Holderness and beyond, I've been watching the images from off the coast of Withernsea with a great deal of concern.

'I've now spoken with the Transport Secretary and I understand that only one person is in hospital.

'The other 36 mariners across both crews are safe and accounted for.

'While we will be thankful that everyone has been brought ashore, I continue to be concerned about the potential ecological impact.

'That's why I'm calling for a unified command structure, to bring together government, police, Coastguard, the Environment Agency, local authorities and your MPs together.'

'All Crowley mariners are safe and fully accounted for,' says maritime firm

Coastguard vehicle on the scene at the port of Grimsby, after the crash off the east Yorkshire coast

In a statement posted on social media, maritime firm Crowley, which manages the tanker involved in the collision, said: 'At approximately 10am UTC/5am EST on March 10 2025, while anchored off the North Sea coast near Hull, United Kingdom, the Crowley-managed tanker Stena Immaculate was struck by the container ship Solong.

'The Stena Immaculate sustained a ruptured cargo tank containing Jet-Al fuel due to the allision.

'A fire occurred as a result of the allision, and fuel was reported released.

'The Stena Immaculate crew abandoned the vessel following multiple explosions onboard.

'All Crowley mariners are safe and fully accounted for.

'Crowley immediately initiated its emergency vessel response plan and is actively working with public agencies to contain the fire and secure the vessel.

'Our first priority is the safety of the people and environment.

'We will provide more updates as information becomes available.'

Breaking:Oil tanker was carrying jet fuel when it was hit, says its owner

The tanker was carrying jet fuel when it was hit by the Solong in the North Sea at approximately 10:00 GMT, according to US logistics firm Crowley, which is the operator and joint owner of the MV Stena Immaculate.

All of its crew of more than 20 have been safely brought to shore - but there are fears that jet fuel is now pouring into the sea.

IThe Stena Immaculate tanker was reported to have released some jet fuel after sustaining a ruptured cargo tank, U.S. logistics group Crowley said.

'The Stena Immaculate sustained a ruptured cargo tank containing Jet-A1 fuel due to the allision,' said a statement from Crowley, which manages the tanker.

'A fire occurred as a result of the allision, and fuel was reported released.

'The Stena Immaculate crew abandoned the vessel following multiple explosions onboard. All Crowley mariners are safe and fully accounted for'.

Investigators are sent to Grimsby after the crash

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has sent investigators to Grimsby following the crash between two vessels in the North Sea.

A spokesperson said: 'The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed a team to Grimsby following the collision of the Portuguese-registered container ship Solong and the US-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate which collided in the North Sea this morning.

'Our team of inspectors and support staff are gathering evidence and undertaking a preliminary assessment of the accident to determine our next steps.'

Greenpeace UK: Collision is a 'cause for great concern'

Responding to the news of the oil tanker collision off the coast of Yorkshire, a spokesperson for Greenpeace UK described it as a 'cause for great concern'.

'We are monitoring reports of a cargo vessel crashing into an oil tanker off the coast of Yorkshire very closely,' the spokesperson said.

'Both the high speed of the collision and the footage of the aftermath are cause for great concern. Right now, our thoughts are with all those affected by the incident and the emergency services responding to the situation.

'At this stage, it's too early to assess the extent of any environmental damage.

But the magnitude of any impact will depend on a number of factors, including the amount and type of oil carried by the tanker, the fuel carried by both ships, and how much of that, if any, has entered the water.

'Sea and weather conditions will also be important in determining how any spill behaves. In the case of an oil spill or any loss of hazardous cargo from the container ship involved, the speed of the response will also be crucial in limiting any impact.'

Pictured: Huge plumes of black smoke rise from the scene of the smash

We now have more photos of the struck oil tanker after it erupted into flames.

US-flagged tanker, MV Stena Immaculate, was hit while at anchor by the Portugal-flagged container ship, MV Solong, off the coast of Humber Estuary, Hull, this morning.

Horrifying images show huge plumes of black smoke rising from the scene of the smash, as a large inferno rages out of control.

Breaking:All 32 casualties are brought in alive, port chief says

All of the 32 casualties brought in were alive when they arrived at his port, a port chief has told Sky News.

Chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East, Martyn Boyers, said he was told to ready his port at around 11am.

Pictured: Flames and smoke consume struck oil tanker

UK Coastguard is assessing 'likely' counter-pollution response

The UK Coastguard is assessing the 'likely' counter-pollution response that may be needed after the North Sea collision.

'The incident remains ongoing and an assessment of the likely counter pollution response required is being enacted,' a UK Coastguard spokesperson said.

Watch: Oil tanker bursts into flames after being struck by container ship

Transport secretary thanks emergency service workers

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has issued a statement on the oil tanker collision.

'I'm concerned to hear of the collision between two vessels in the North Sea this morning and am liaising with officials and HM Coastguard as the situation develops,' she said.

'I want to thank all emergency service workers involved for their continued efforts in responding to the incident.'

Pictured: Aftermath of oil tanker explosion

Tanker part of programme to supply US army with oil 'in times of need'

The tanker was part of a programme to have ten ships capable of transporting oil for the US army in 'times of need', the American Maritime Officers said.

The group said the Stena Immaculate was reflagged in August 2023 - part of a programme by the US Department of Defence and the US Maritime Administration.

The programme was to consist of a commercial fleet of ten ships ready to transport supplies 'in times of need' for the US, Sky News first reported.

More than 30 people brought to shore so far

32 people have now been brought to shore, the BBC first reported.

Their condition is not yet known.

Video reveals dramatic mayday call after crash

Government liaising with officials over disaster

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'I'm concerned to hear of the collision between two vessels in the North Sea this morning and am liaising with officials and HM Coastguard as the situation develops.'I want to thank all emergency service workers involved for their continued efforts in responding to the incident.'

Crew abandoned ship after the collision

More than 20 casualties have been brought ashore at Grimsby following a collision between a tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea, but some crew members are yet to be accounted for, a port boss has said.

Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East, said 13 casualties were initially brought in on a Windcat 33 vessel, followed by another 10 on a harbour pilot boat.

Mr Boyers said he had been told there was 'a massive fireball', adding: 'It's too far out for us to see - about 10 miles - but we have seen the vessels bringing them in.

'They must have sent a mayday out - luckily there was a crew transfer vessel out there already.

'Since then there has been a flotilla of ambulances to pick up anyone they can find.'

The casualties' conditions remain unclear.

Breaking:Major disaster as cargo ship slams into oil tanker

An oil tanker has burst into flames after being struck by a cargo vessel off the coast of Yorkshire - sparking fears of an environmental disaster.

US-flagged tanker, MV Stena Immaculate, was hit while at anchor by the Portugal-flagged container ship, MV Solong, off the coast of Humber Estuary, Hull, this morning.

Footage shared by the BBC appears to show huge plumes of black smoke rising from the scene of the smash, as a large inferno rages out of control.

Full story:

References

1. ^ TOM COTTERILL (www.dailymail.co.uk)
2. ^ KATHERINE LAWTON (www.dailymail.co.uk)
3. ^ OLIVIA ALLHUSEN (www.dailymail.co.uk)
4. ^ SOPHIE CARLIN (www.dailymail.co.uk)