A U.S.-flagged oil tanker carrying jet fuel exploded into a massive fireball in the North Sea after being struck by a cargo ship off the eastern coast of England on Monday. The impact caused multiple explosions, set both ships on fire, and spilled thousands of tonnes of fuel into the sea, triggering an environmental emergency.
Tanker Hit While Anchored
The tanker, MV Stena Immaculate, was anchored near Hull when it was struck by a Portugal-flagged cargo ship, Solong, according to CROWLEY Maritime, the company operating the tanker. Reports indicate that the collision ruptured a fuel tank, spilling 18,000 tonnes of jet fuel into the water.q1aq
‘A Massive Fireball’
Eyewitnesses described a huge explosion following the crash. An English port official said he was informed of “a massive fireball” erupting after the impact. The blaze engulfed both vessels, leading to frantic rescue efforts.
Crew Rescued, One Person Missing
Authorities confirmed that 37 crew members were aboard both ships at the time of the accident.
- 36 have been rescued, with one person rushed to the hospital.
- One crew member from the cargo ship remains missing, according to the ship’s owner, German-based Ernst Russ.
Tanker Was ‘Vital for U.S. National Security’
The Stena Immaculate was carrying 142,000 barrels of jet fuel and was part of a U.S. government programme supplying fuel to the military during times of war or crisis.
According to ship-tracking data, the tanker was en route from Greece to Killingholme, U.K., while the Solong was travelling from Scotland to the Netherlands when the accident happened.
Possible Cause: Cargo Ship Crew Failed to Spot Tanker
Experts suggest that the crew of the cargo ship may have failed to properly monitor their radar, which could explain the high-impact collision. Abdul Khalique, head of the Maritime Centre at Liverpool John Moores University, said early signs point to a lack of proper lookout by Solong’s crew, a violation of international maritime regulations.
Government Responds
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office stated that officials were still gathering details about what led to the crash. The U.K. Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, has been briefed on the situation, and emergency response teams are working to contain the fuel spill and ongoing fires.
What Happens Next?
Authorities are focusing on rescue efforts, fire containment, and limiting the environmental damage caused by the massive fuel spill. Meanwhile, investigators will look into whether negligence played a role in the disaster.
For now, the North Sea remains the site of a burning wreck, with fuel leaking into the ocean and questions mounting over what went wrong.
