Massive fire erupts after oil tanker collision—32 injured in North Sea disaster

A serious maritime collision in the North Sea has left at least 32 people injured after an oil tanker and a cargo ship collided off the northeast coast of England. The UK Coastguard confirmed that emergency services were responding to the situation, with multiple vessels and helicopters engaged in the rescue and recovery efforts.

The incident occurred at 0948 GMT on Monday, March 10, triggering an emergency response. The oil tanker, identified as Stena Immaculate, was under a US military charter at the time of the collision. Meanwhile, the cargo vessel involved, identified as Solong (or “So Long”), is owned by German shipping company Reederei Koepping.

Massive Fire Engulfs Oil Tanker After Impact

According to local media reports, both vessels caught fire following the collision, leading to plumes of thick black smoke rising from the scene. The UK Coastguard confirmed that firefighting vessels had been deployed to contain the blaze.

Eyewitnesses onshore reported ambulances lining up at the Port of Grimsby East, where many of the injured were transported. Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East, stated that emergency services were working rapidly to assess and treat those affected.

Rescue Operation Mobilized As Crew Abandons Ship

The UK Coastguard, along with a fleet of lifeboats from four coastal towns, a rescue helicopter, and multiple nearby vessels, launched a large-scale North Sea rescue operation. Several crew members were forced to abandon their ships after the impact.

Swedish tanker company Stena Bulk, which owns Stena Immaculate, confirmed that the vessel was being operated by US-based maritime company Crowley at the time of the incident.

Meanwhile, Jillian Morris, spokesperson for the US Military Sealift Command, verified that Stena Immaculate was under a short-term charter with the US military, though specific details about its mission were not disclosed.

Environmental Impact Concerns Over Oil Spill Risk

As firefighting and rescue efforts continue, authorities are assessing the risk of an oil spill in the North Sea. The UK Coastguard has stated that it is conducting an evaluation of the likely counter-pollution response required in the aftermath of the collision.

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

Maritime Safety In Focus Amid Rising Incidents

This latest North Sea tanker collision raises concerns over maritime safety regulations, especially involving vessels operating under military charters. Investigations will likely focus on the cause of the collision and whether navigational errors or adverse weather conditions played a role.

The UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, alongside relevant maritime safety regulators, is expected to launch a formal inquiry into the incident.

As emergency crews continue their operations, concerns remain over the potential environmental and economic impact of the accident, particularly in the context of growing scrutiny on oil transportation safety.