A maritime traffic tracking tool has captured the moment a cargo ship and oil tanker collided in the North Sea. Both ships remain on fire following the incident off the coast of East Yorkshire on Monday, with one crew member still unaccounted for and growing concerns about the potential impact on wildlife.
Tracking data captured by the Marine Traffic website shows the US-flagged Stena Immaculate oil tanker stationary, before seemingly being hit by the Solong container ship. Lifeboats can then be seen responding to the incident. More than 30 people were brought to shore after the crash, but one person, believed to be a crew member of the Portuguese–flagged Solong, remains missing.
HM Coastguard said efforts to find the missing individual had ended after an “extensive search”.
The maritime company managing the Stena Immaculate, Crowley, said the vessel was struck by the Solong while anchored off the coast of Hull, causing “multiple explosions” on board and the jet fuel it was carrying to be released.
The company said it was unclear how much fuel may have been released as a result of the incident, but that the Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks when it was struck.
It was operating as part of the US government’s Tanker Security Programme, a group of commercial vessels that can be contracted to carry fuel for the military when needed.
Crowley added the tanker was anchored while waiting for a berth to become available at the Port of Killingholme on the River Humber.
One person who was on the oil tanker claimed to the BBC News that the Solong came out of the blue and collided with the Stena Immaculate at 16 knots.
The Solong was reportedly carrying sodium cyanide, which can produce harmful gas when combined with water. It is unclear if there has been any leak.
Experts have warned the environmental impact of the collision could be “severe”.
It is believed the US and Portugal will now lead investigations into the incident and work is ongoing to establish the full contents of both ships.
Air quality currently is thought to remain normal in the area.
