Britain’s coast guard reports a major rescue operation is underway after an oil tanker and a cargo ship collided off the coast of eastern England, causing fires on both vessels.
TWC Magazine: A significant maritime emergency unfolded Monday morning when an oil tanker and a cargo ship collided in the North Sea off the eastern coast of England. The impact ignited fires on both vessels, prompting immediate intervention from emergency services.
The UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency dispatched multiple rescue units, including lifeboats, a coast guard helicopter, a surveillance plane, and nearby firefighting-capable ships to contain the situation and ensure crew safety.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) reported that several crew members had abandoned their vessels due to the severity of the collision and ensuing fires. Three RNLI lifeboats, in coordination with the coast guard, are conducting search-and-rescue operations in the affected area.
Identification of Vessels Involved
According to ship-tracking data from VesselFinder, the oil tanker involved is suspected to be the MV Stena Immaculate, a U.S.-flagged chemical and oil products carrier that had recently sailed from Greece and was at anchor at the time of the collision. The cargo ship, identified as the Portugal-flagged Solong, was en route from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The collision was reported at 9:48 a.m. GMT off the coast of Hull, approximately 155 miles (250 kilometers) north of London.
Investigation and Ongoing Response
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the collision while firefighting and search efforts continue. Updates on casualties, environmental impact, and potential maritime disruptions are expected as the situation unfolds.
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