Cargo Ship Collides with Jet Fuel Tanker, 32 Injured
- paolo bibat
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 12
The Stena Immaculate, a US-managed tanker owned by Swedish shipping giant Stena Bulk, was anchored near Hull when it was struck by the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel Solong. The impact ruptured a cargo tank filled with highly volatile A1-jet fuel, igniting a fierce blaze and releasing fuel into the surrounding waters.
“The Stena Immaculate sustained a ruptured cargo tank containing jet fuel due to the collision. A fire occurred, and fuel was reported released,” confirmed Crowley, the US-based operator of the Stena Immaculate. The crew of the tanker abandoned ship following multiple explosions, but all members were later accounted for and are safe.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
The UK Coastguard launched a large-scale rescue operation involving helicopters, planes, lifeboats from four towns, and nearby vessels. Thick black smoke billowed from the scene as emergency responders worked tirelessly to contain the fire and evacuate the injured.
Grimsby Port Director Martyn Boyers described the chaotic scene as 32 injured individuals were brought ashore on three vessels. “Ambulances were queuing on the quay,” he said, underscoring the scale of the emergency response.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) confirmed that fires had broken out on both vessels, while the Marine Accident Investigation Branch dispatched a team to Grimsby to begin a preliminary inquiry. The International Maritime Organization emphasized that the immediate focus remains on firefighting and search-and-rescue operations.
Environmental Concerns Mount
As the flames raged, experts warned of the potential for a significant environmental impact. Dr. Simon Boxall, an oceanographer at the University of Southampton, cautioned that the collision is “not good news” for the environment. “There is no doubting there will be a major spill,” he said, adding that there is even “a danger that coastlines could be affected.”
The UK Coastguard is assessing the likely counter-pollution response required, but the full extent of the spill remains unclear. The Stena Immaculate was carrying jet fuel, a highly flammable substance, raising concerns about the long-term ecological consequences.
A History of North Sea Disasters
The North Sea, a critical artery for global shipping, has seen its share of maritime tragedies. In October 2023, a collision between cargo ships Verity and Polesie near Germany’s Heligoland islands left three dead and two missing, presumed dead. Similarly, in 2015, the sinking of the Flinterstar freighter off the Belgian coast released hundreds of tonnes of diesel and fuel oil into the sea.
Perhaps most infamous is the 1993 Braer disaster, when a Liberian tanker ran aground off Scotland’s Shetland Islands, spilling 84,500 tonnes of crude oil and causing widespread environmental damage.
Government and Industry Response
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed deep concern over the incident, praising the swift action of emergency services. “Our thoughts are with those injured and affected by this tragic event,” she said.
The Solong, a 140-meter (460-foot) cargo vessel owned by German company Reederei Koepping, had departed from Grangemouth, Scotland, and was en route to Rotterdam when the collision occurred. Vessels equipped with firefighting capabilities have been deployed to the scene to assist in containing the blaze.
What’s Next?
As the firefighting efforts continue, questions loom over the cause of the collision and the potential fallout for the shipping industry. With the North Sea’s reputation as a high-traffic, high-risk zone, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by mariners and the fragile balance between commerce and environmental safety.
For now, the focus remains on saving lives, extinguishing the flames, and mitigating the environmental damage. But as the smoke clears, the world will be watching to see how this latest maritime disaster unfolds—and what lessons can be learned to prevent future tragedies.
