On March 10, 2025, a collision between a US-flagged tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea, off the coast of eastern England, resulted in a massive fire.
The tanker, the Stena Immaculate, was carrying jet fuel when it was struck by the Portuguese-flagged container ship, Solong. The crash caused multiple explosions, which led to fires aboard both vessels and a significant fuel spill.
The accident occurred in the Humber Estuary, about 155 miles north of London, with the fire alarm raised at 9:48 a.m. local time.
According to DailyJang, thick black smoke and "massive fireballs" were visible from a distance, alarming officials and bystanders.
Thankfully, all 37 crew members aboard the two ships were rescued, with 36 being accounted for safely. One crew member was taken to the hospital, but no fatalities have been reported.
Crowley Maritime, the company that operates the Stena Immaculate, confirmed that the tanker had been anchored near Grimsby, UK, when it was hit by the Solong, which was en route from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands.
🔴Scenes from the North Sea, after the US-flagged tanker STENA IMMACULATE collided with Solong, a Panamanian cargo ship pic.twitter.com/h3LhqLzFHK
— shameen suleman (@shameensuleman) March 10, 2025
Tanker Collision in North Sea Causes Fuel Spill and Explosions, Crews Evacuated
The collision ruptured the tanker's cargo tank, causing the jet fuel to spill into the sea, further intensifying the fire, CBS News said. Fortunately, all crew members aboard the Stena Immaculate were evacuated after the explosions.
Following the collision, emergency response teams were quick to act. Several lifeboats, a coast guard rescue helicopter, and vessels with firefighting capabilities were dispatched to the scene.
Local authorities also raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of the spill, especially since the North Sea is home to significant fishing grounds and seabird colonies.
The Solong was reportedly carrying sodium cyanide, a hazardous chemical, though it was unclear whether any of its containers were damaged.
Environmental groups, such as Greenpeace, expressed concerns about the toxic hazards posed by the chemicals aboard the ships, as well as the potential impact of the fuel spill on marine life.
However, experts have stated that the jet fuel will likely evaporate quickly, reducing its environmental impact.
Despite the ongoing fire and fuel spill, a US official confirmed that the Stena Immaculate was part of a US government program to supply fuel to the military, and that the incident would not impact military operations.
Efforts to contain the fire and secure the tanker are ongoing, with authorities working together to manage the crisis.
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