peggydeamer.com – On Monday, March 10, 2025, a significant maritime collision occurred in the North Sea off the coast of East Yorkshire, England. The incident involved the Stena Immaculate, a tanker carrying 18,000 tonnes of Jet A-1 fuel under short-term charter to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, and the Solong, a Portuguese-flagged container ship.

Details of the Collision

The collision took place around 10:00 AM local time while the Stena Immaculate was anchored near Hull. Preliminary tracking data suggests that the Solong collided with the stationary tanker, leading to significant fires and multiple explosions on both vessels Zeus Slot. The impact caused a rupture in one of the tanker’s cargo tanks, resulting in a fuel spill.

Rescue Operations and Casualties

Emergency response teams, including the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, deployed helicopters, lifeboats, and firefighting vessels to the scene. A total of 37 mariners were aboard the two ships at the time of the incident. Thirty-six crew members were rescued and brought ashore, with one individual hospitalized. Unfortunately, one crew member from the Solong remains unaccounted for after an extensive search was called off.

Environmental Concerns

The rupture of the tanker’s cargo tank led to a Jet A-1 fuel spill in the North Sea. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is actively assessing the environmental impact and coordinating counter-pollution measures. Additionally, reports indicate that the Solong was transporting 15 containers of sodium cyanide, a potentially hazardous chemical, raising further environmental concerns.

Vessel Details

• Stena Immaculate: Managed by Florida-based Crowley Maritime Corporation, this tanker has been part of the U.S. strategic tanker program since May 2023. It was transporting military-specification jet fuel and marine diesel intended for resupply at Defense Fuel Support Point Killingholme, with subsequent deliveries planned for the Mediterranean.

• Solong: Owned by Germany-based Ernst Russ, the container ship sustained significant damage from the collision. The vessel was en route to a European port carrying various cargo, including hazardous materials.

Official Responses

The UK’s Department for Transport is collaborating closely with the coastguard to support the ongoing response efforts. A spokesperson expressed gratitude to all emergency personnel involved, emphasizing the importance of addressing both human safety and environmental protection in the aftermath of the incident.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collision, with authorities examining navigational data and vessel operations leading up to the incident. Both vessels remain on fire, and monitoring continues to mitigate further environmental risks.