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A sailor who went missing during the collision between an oil tanker and cargo ship has been presumed dead, says UK maritime minister Mike Kane.
The crash, which occurred just before 9.50am on Monday, involved the US-registered Stena Immaculate, transporting fuel for the US military, and the Portuguese-flagged Solong.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Kane said that while all members of the Stena Immaculate crew were safe and accounted for, 13 of the 14 sailors on the Solong were rescued with the working assumption one was deceased.
He confirmed that the fire on the Stena Immaculate had been extinguished, but the Solong remained alight and had drifted off in the night.
“The assessments of his majesty’s coastguard is that it is unlikely the vessel will remain afloat,” he said, adding that tugboats were in the vicinity to make sure the ship remains away from the coast.
Environmentalists have warned of the devastating impact the collision could have on the Humber Estuary’s wildlife.
Martin Slater, Director of Operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said: “If pollution spillage enters the Humber, this could potentially be devastating for the wildlife of the estuary, including important fish stocks and tens of thousands of overwintering and migrating birds who use the mud flats.”
No sodium cyanide on board shipping container, says Solong owner
Sailor recounts dramatic escape from Stena Immaculate after collision
Foul play not ruled out – report
Greenpeace scientist warns of major environmental risk
Uncertainty over cargo raises contamination concerns, says local MP
13:16 , Bryony Gooch
Transport minister Mike Kane said the fire on the Stena Immaculate “appears to be extinguished but the Solong continues to burn”.
He told MPs: “Although they became attached to each other during the collision, the Solong broke free of the Stena Immaculate late last night and began drifting southwards.
“Modelling suggests that should the Solong remain afloat it’ll remain clear of land for the next few hours. The assessment of His Majesty’s Coastguard is, however, that it is unlikely the vessel will remain afloat.
“Tugboats are in the vicinity to ensure that the Solong remains away from the coast and to respond as the situation develops.
“I want to be clear that while there are 1,000-metre temporary exclusion zones established around both vessels, maritime traffic through the Humber Estuary is continuing.”
13:09 , Millie Cooke
One crew member on board a cargo ship involved in the collision in the North Sea has been presumed dead, transport minister Mike Kane told the House of Commons.
The sailor, who was working on board the Solong, remains missing after the collision over the weekend and the search and rescue operation has now been called off, Mr Kane said.
The full crew of the other ship involved, the Stena Immaculate, have been accounted for and are now on shore.
Mr Kane told the Commons: “Search and rescue operations for the missing sailor continued throughout yesterday but were called off yesterday evening at the point at which the chances of their survival had unfortunately significantly diminished.
“Our working assumption is that very sadly, that the sailor is deceased.
“The Coast Guard has informed the company, and they have been advised to inform the next of kin. Our thoughts are with the sailor’s loved ones at this time.”
13:03 , Millie Cooke
Transport minister Mike Kane has praised the efforts of responders on the scene at the North Sea collision, saying they are both “brave and hugely appreciated”.
Giving a statement on the ongoing situation in the Commons, Mr Kane also offered his thanks to all those involved in firefighting and search and rescue operations.
“I want to begin by offering my sincere thanks to all those who are responding on the front line, from its Majesty’s Coast Guard to local emergency services”, he told the Commons.
“This is a challenging situation, and I know I speak for everyone in this house when I say that the responders ongoing efforts are both brave and hugely appreciated.
He also thanked international partners for their “many offers of assistance to the UK”.
13:02 , Bryony Gooch
Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: “We are working urgently with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to assess the potential environmental impacts and mitigations.
“A temporary exclusion zone has been established around the ships to reduce the risk to the wider shipping industry in the area.
“We are working as quickly as possible to assess the impact of the incident on water pollution and the marine environment. It’s obviously a fast moving, difficult situation, given that the jet fueled cargo from one of the ships is currently on fire.
“As soon as that fire is out, we’ll be able to assess better how to mitigate the impacts on the marine environment.”
One of the fires has been put out.
“There does not appear to be any suggestion of foul play at this time.”
12:59 , Jabed Ahmed
Daniela Schmidt, professor of earth sciences at the University of Bristol, said: “There are several Marine protected areas near Hull such as Flamborough Head and Holderness.
“These areas are protected due to their rich habitats supporting marine wildlife including fish, bivalves, crabs and birds. Around Flamborough the nesting season will soon start.
“While the first focus is on containing the fire, the pollution connected to the accident has the potential to spread widely depending on the currents and waves with the risk of impacting these protected areas.
“Natural England and North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority will be monitoring the distribution of the oil film closely but at the moment it is to early to determine the impacts.”
12:43 , Bryony Gooch
Solong, the Portuguese vessel involved in a crash with US tanker Stena Immaculate, is still alight and has drifted away from the original site of the collision, His Majesty’s Coastguard said.
Air quality at ground level has also been deemed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs as “within normal levels for the weather conditions”, they added.
“The Solong is still alight and the fire on board the Stena Immaculate has greatly diminished,” HM Coastguard said on Tuesday afternoon.
“Safety vessels and other vessels with firefighting capabilities are still on scene with more arriving today.
“At 11.20pm last night the Solong separated from the Stena Immaculate and began to drift southwards, this is being monitored by HM Coastguard. An exclusion zone of 1km radius has been put in place around both vessels.
“The Counter Pollution and Salvage Team is assessing the situation and is developing a plan ready for implementation as soon as the situation allows.
“The SOSREP is working with ship owners, salvors and insurance companies.
“The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is monitoring the situation closely and has confirmed that air quality at ground level is currently within normal levels for the weather conditions.
“The UK Health Security Agency (HSA) is also assisting in the response, and has advised that any public health risk on shore is currently deemed to be very low
“HSA risk assessments are under continual review as further information becomes available.”
12:33 , Bryony Gooch
Solong owner Ernst Russ has now said the ship has “no containers on board ladened with sodium cyanide”, after reports circulated that the ship was transporting the chemical, prompting further fears over the incident’s environmental damage.
Local wildlife trusts have raised concerns about the impact of any pollution from the two vessels on an array of species, including threatened seabird colonies, grey seals, harbour porpoises, fish, and minke whales.
12:21 , Jabed Ahmed
Dutch marine provider Boskalis will salvage the US-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate, a spokesperson has said.
He could not give a time frame for the salvaging but added that four ships carrying foam and extinguishing agents were already en route to put out the fire caused by the collision.
Another company would salvage Solong, the other container ship involved in the collision, Boskalis’ spokesperson said without specifying which company.
11:59 , Jabed Ahmed
Dr Tom Webb, senior lecturer in marine ecology and conservation at the University of Sheffield, said: “The wildlife of the Yorkshire coast and Humber Estuary is of immense biological, cultural and economic importance. In addition to the wealth of marine life that is present all year round, this time of the year is crucial for many migratory species.
“Chemical pollution resulting from incidents of this kind can directly impact birds, and it can also have long-lasting effects on the marine food webs that support them.”
Dr Alex Lukyanov, researcher on advanced mathematical models of oil spills from the University of Reading, said: “Oil spills like the one in the North Sea are affected by multiple factors. The size of the spill, weather conditions, sea currents, water waves, wind patterns, and the type of oil involved all play crucial roles in determining environmental outcomes.
“This particular incident is troubling because it appears to involve persistent oil, which breaks up slowly in water.”
11:44 , Jabed Ahmed
The Solong was transporting “an unknown quantity of alcohol and 15 containers of sodium cyanide”, according to Lloyd’s List.
It remains unclear whether the cyanide has entered the water.
Sodium cyanide can release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas, which disrupts the body’s ability to use oxygen, according to the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also notes that sodium cyanide can convert into hydrogen cyanide upon contact with water.
11:28 , Jabed Ahmed
The cause of the collision remains unclear.
Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the nearby Port of Grimsby East, told CNN: “It seems a mystery, really, because all the vessels now have very highly sophisticated technical equipment to plot courses and to look at any obstacles or anything they’ve got to avoid.
“It’s difficult to actually suggest what went on, other than the fact it should never have happened,” he added.
Mr Boyers said the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) would likely investigate the incident.
“How did that vessel continue plowing into the berth vessel? There must have been some warning signs. They must have been able to detect it on the radar,” Mr Boyers said.
11:21 , Jabed Ahmed
11:14 , Jabed Ahmed
10:59 , Jabed Ahmed
Tammy Smalley, head of conservation at Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, warned that the North Lincolnshire coast is at risk following the collision, including key nature reserves.
Ms Smalley said: “The north Lincolnshire coast is at risk which includes our special – and vast – nature reserves, Donna Nook and Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes. The area is home to internationally important populations of seabirds and seals, and fragile habitats including saltmarsh, mudflats and seagrass meadows.
“Depending on wind direction and contaminants, we are also concerned about the Silver Pit Marine Conservation Zone farther offshore – a unique habitat for fish where seabirds and cetaceans feed. Much of the Lincolnshire coast offshore is within marine protected areas for habitat features such as sub-tidal sand dunes.
“Although the grey seals at Donna Nook are not currently pupping, the seals including juveniles are still in the area. They haul out on sand banks offshore and feed in the wider North Sea area.”
10:44 , Jabed Ahmed
Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, said: “This incident is a shocking reminder of the ferocious polluting power of oil.
“We are seeing burning slicks, the threat of heavy fuel oil, and toxic chemicals leaking in or near not one but two marine protected areas (MPAs). Places that should be safe havens for wildlife.”
Mr Tagholm said the Southern North Sea and Holderness MPAs protect declining harbour porpoises and rich seafloor habitats, which are both highly sensitive to toxic spills.
“Oil is always an accident waiting to happen in our ocean and we are all familiar with its devastating impacts – seabirds slick with oil, marine life struggling in tarry tidelines, and a toxic legacy that can impact wildlife and coastal communities for years. More oil will always result in more spills,” he added.
“It is also deeply concerning that the cargo vessel is reportedly carrying sodium cyanide, a severely toxic chemical that can devastate marine wildlife if in high enough concentrations. For now, we don’t know how much, if any, reached the water but we have sent an Oceana team to the North East to monitor developments.”
10:30 , Jabed Ahmed
10:17 , Jabed Ahmed
Harj Narulla, a climate and environmental barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, said: “Under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, the UK Government is likely to meet many of the immediate clean-up and emergency response costs. The vessel owners and their insurers may also meet costs.
“The Government may in due course seek to recover their cleanup costs from the owners and insurers of both vessels.
“If other parties suffer loss — such as local fishing companies, local government or tourism operators — they could also commence claims against the vessel owners and insurers. “
10:04 , Jabed Ahmed
Harj Narulla, a climate and environmental lawyer, explained: “While we still do not know all the facts, it appears as though the Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate, which was at anchor.
“Despite this, the Stena Immaculate and its insurers are strictly liable under UK law for any oil pollution coming from its cargo.
“Similarly, both the Solong and Stena Immaculate and their insurers would be liable for any pollution coming from bunker oil released from the vessels.
“If investigations show that the Solong is responsible for the collision, we may see the Stena Immaculate pursuing legal action against the Solong’s owners and their insurers.
“This is likely to be in UK courts, but could also occur in the US or Portugal as the flag States for each vessel.”
09:51 , Jabed Ahmed
Harj Narulla, a climate and environmental lawyer, has said the legal position is “far from certain” regarding the collision.
“Both international and domestic laws will apply to the emergency response, clean-up operations and resolving who pays for this accident,” he said.
“This is likely to be litigated in the UK because the accident occurred in British territorial waters, although compensation claims may end up being brought in the US and Portugal, as the flag States for the vessels.
“The owners and insurers of both vessels are likely to be liable for the pollution caused. This will include the oil carried as cargo and any heavy fuel oil that leaks from the vessels.”
The UK is a signatory to a number of relevant international treaties, such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, he explained.
Mr Narulla said domestically, the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 will likely apply to determine who is liable to pay for this accident.
09:39 , Jabed Ahmed
Melanie Onn, Labour MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, said it is not known what is in the cargo of the ship which was involved in a collision with a tanker in the North Sea off the East Yorkshire coast, but if it were to be sodium cyanide, “that would be very worrying”.
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that a Government minister said it is “undetermined”, adding: “Actually, they don’t know what is in the cargo for Solong. And if it were to be the sodium cyanide, that would be very worrying. So we are waiting for kind of continuous updates on that.
“The Marine Accident Investigation Branch are now on site and giving direct reports back to the minister, and there is the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency), they are doing an evaluation of the contamination risk and working with the owners of both of the vessels to plan a salvage operation.”
09:18 , Jabed Ahmed
09:12 , Jabed Ahmed
An American sailor from the Stena Immaculate has recounted his dramatic escape from the oil tanker.
Speaking to CBS News, the sailor, who remained anonymous as crew members are currently restricted from speaking to the media, said he was close to the point of impact when the collision occurred.
Suddenly, “a massive ship came from out of the blue,” he recalled, explaining that he had only seconds to react.
He described hearing urgent shouts to brace before the crash. He also noted that the Solong didn’t stop immediately, instead ploughing into their ship for what felt like 10 minutes.
According to other crew members, it appeared that no one was on the bridge of the Solong at the time of the collision, he added.
08:59 , Jabed Ahmed
Listen: Coastguard emergency call after oil tanker and cargo ship crash in North Sea
08:24 , Jabed Ahmed
08:11 , Jabed Ahmed
The HM Coastguard’s Counter Pollution and Salvage (CPS) Team addresses maritime pollution incidents. This ranges from oil spills to debris such as plastics and timber.
Responsibility for responding to maritime pollution within the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone, extending up to 200 nautical miles from land, primarily falls to HM Coastguard.
However, Local port or harbour authorities handle incidents within their jurisdictions, often deploying their counter-pollution equipment, the coastguard’s website says.
Environmental regulators like the Environment Agency or local councils may take charge of pollution originating from land.
If the pollution exceeds the responsible party’s capacity to manage, the CPS Team ensures an adequate response to protect public health and the environment. They collaborate with specialist agencies, including nature conservation bodies and fishery regulators, to assess potential impacts and guide the response strategy.
For large-scale incidents, they utilise dedicated pollution response equipment and contractors, with stockpiles strategically located across the UK to ensure rapid deployment within 15 hours.
08:09 , Jabed Ahmed
Major environmental damage risk after North Sea oil tanker collision, warn Greenpeace
07:56 , Jabed Ahmed
A minister has sought to reassure the public over the environmental impact of the collision.
Matthew Pennycook told Times Radio on Tuesday the first was “still raging” and the Government was “alive to the potential impacts on the environment”.
He said: “The Maritime and Coastguard Agency are well equipped to contain and disperse any oil spills.
“We don’t think air quality impacts are outside of normal levels, but we will keep the situation obviously under review.
“It’s a fast-moving and dynamic situation, but all the necessary services are on the ground, both investigating and taking the immediate steps required.”
07:40 , Maroosha Muzaffar
There are concerns that the chemical spill could harm the marine environment, particularly seabird colonies on the East Yorkshire coast, which include puffins, razorbills, gannets, and kittiwakes.
Martin Slater, director of operations at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust charity told The Telegraph: “If pollution spillage enters the Humber, this could potentially be devastating for the wildlife of the estuary, including important fish stocks and tens of thousands of overwintering and migrating birds who use the mud flats.”
07:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar
US logistics group Crowley, which manages the oil tanker Stena Immaculate, confirmed that the vessel released some jet fuel due to a ruptured cargo tank.
The company said it had activated its emergency response plan and is “actively working with public agencies to contain the fire and secure the vessel”.
Crowley emphasised that its “first priority is the safety of the people and environment” and promised further updates as more information becomes available.
06:40 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Smoke billowed into the sky after an oil tanker collided with a cargo vessel in the North Sea on Monday, 10 March, causing a “massive fireball” off the coast of Yorkshire.
The incident is believed to involve a US-flagged tanker called the MV Stena Immaculate, which is understood to have been carrying aviation fuel.
More than 30 casualties have been brought ashore. The condition of those injured remains unclear; lifeguards and a coastguard helicopter scrambled to the scene following reports that a “number of people” had abandoned both ships.
The collision occurred in the Humber Estuary, with the alarm first raised at 9.48am.
Stena Immaculate’s chief executive confirmed to the BBC that all crew were accounted for and safe.
Video: Smoke billows from oil tanker and cargo ship collision in North Sea
06:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar
The cause of the collision remains unclear.
Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the nearby Port of Grimsby East, told CNN: “It seems a mystery, really, because all the vessels now have very highly sophisticated technical equipment to plot courses and to look at any obstacles or anything they’ve got to avoid.
“It’s difficult to actually suggest what went on, other than the fact it should never have happened,” he added.
Boyers said the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) would likely investigate the incident.
“How did that vessel continue plowing into the berth vessel? There must have been some warning signs. They must have been able to detect it on the radar,” Boyers was quoted as saying by the outlet.
05:40 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Authorities have not ruled out foul play in the collision between a US military-chartered oil tanker and a cargo ship carrying toxic chemicals in the North Sea, The Telegraph reported.
The crash triggered multiple explosions and a chemical spill, raising concerns among marine experts that the incident may not have been accidental.
A government source told The Telegraph that while early investigations have found no indication of foul play in the incident, it has not been ruled out.
However, poor visibility has also been cited as a possible factor.
05:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar
The Solong was transporting “an unknown quantity of alcohol and 15 containers of sodium cyanide”, according to Lloyd’s List.
It remains unclear whether the cyanide has entered the water.
Sodium cyanide can release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas, which disrupts the body’s ability to use oxygen, according to the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also notes that sodium cyanide can convert into hydrogen cyanide upon contact with water.
04:40 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Thirty-six casualties have been brought ashore but one member of the Portugal-registered MV Solong crew was still missing as night fell off the coast of Grimsby, according to the ship’s Hamburg-based owner, Ernst Russ.
Jet fuel destined for the US Airforce on board US-flagged MV Stena Immaculate reportedly leaked into the water after it was struck by the smaller vessel.
In an update late on Monday, Crowley, who manage the oil tanker, said at least one cargo tank carrying jet fuel was ruptured in the collision.
Read the full piece here:
Oil tanker on fire after colliding with cargo vessel in off East Yorkshire coast
04:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Aerial footage showed the scene over the North Sea after an oil tanker collided with a cargo vessel off the coast of Yorkshire on Monday, 10 March.
At least 30 casualties have been brought ashore after the incident involving the US-flagged Stena Immaculate tanker and Portuguese-registered container ship Solong.
The crew of the Stena Immaculate tanker are “safe and accounted for” after jet fuel was released during the crash, Crowley, which manages the vessel, has said.
Lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter were called to the collision in the Humber Estuary just before 10am.
A spokesperson for the Marine Accident Investigation Branch said it has deployed investigators to Grimsby.
Watch aerials after oil tanker and cargo ship collide in North Sea
03:40 , Maroosha Muzaffar
US logistics group Crowley, which manages the oil tanker Stena Immaculate, confirmed that the vessel released some jet fuel due to a ruptured cargo tank.
The company said it had activated its emergency response plan and is “actively working with public agencies to contain the fire and secure the vessel”.
Crowley emphasised that its “first priority is the safety of the people and environment” and promised further updates as more information becomes available.
03:29 , Barney Davis
The BBC said they saw survivors of the collision being boarded onto lifeboats and towed into Grimsby, escaping with very little.
One crew member said he fled the ship with just his wallet and his phone.
He told a reporter that the cargo ship – Solong – just came out of the blue and crashed into them at a speed of 16 knots.
Some members of the Stena Immaculate oil tanker were at the Asda in Grimsby this evening buying replacement clothes.
02:53 , Maroosha Muzaffar
An oil tanker has caught alight in a “massive fireball” after colliding with a cargo vessel in the North Sea.
The alarm was first raised on the Humber Estuary in East Yorkshire at 9.48am on Monday. A Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel collided with a US-flagged oil tanker, which was understood to be at anchor and carrying aviation fuel.
A May Day call from the HM Coastguard requested help from vessels with fire-fighting equipment or which could assist with search and rescue.
Read the piece here:
Everything we know about North Sea oil tanker and cargo vessel collision
02:18 , Barney Davis
It is understood the US and Portugal will now lead investigations into the ongoing fire in the North Sea.
Dr Tom Webb, senior lecturer in marine ecology and conservation at the University of Sheffield, said: “The wildlife of the Yorkshire coast and Humber Estuary is of immense biological, cultural and economic importance. In addition to the wealth of marine life that is present all year round, this time of the year is crucial for many migratory species.
“Chemical pollution resulting from incidents of this kind can directly impact birds, and it can also have long-lasting effects on the marine food webs that support them.”
Dr Alex Lukyanov, researcher on advanced mathematical models of oil spills from the University of Reading, said: “Oil spills like the one in the North Sea are affected by multiple factors. The size of the spill, weather conditions, sea currents, water waves, wind patterns, and the type of oil involved all play crucial roles in determining environmental outcomes.
“This particular incident is troubling because it appears to involve persistent oil, which breaks up slowly in water.”
01:16 , Barney Davis
The Stena Immaculate tanker 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.
It had been anchored while it waited for a berth to become available at the Port of Killingholme, on the River Humber, Crowley said.
According to reports, the Solong was carrying sodium cyanide, which can produce harmful gas when combined with water, but it was unclear if there had been any leak.
00:01 , Barney Davis
In an update late on Monday, Crowley, who manage the oil tanker, said at least one cargo tank carrying jet fuel was ruptured in the collision.
A spokesman said: “At this stage, it is unclear what volume of fuel may have been released as a result of the incident. At the time it was struck, the 183-meter (596-foot) Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks.
“Crowley is supporting the relevant authorities in the UK who are investigating the incident and will defer to them for any further questions on potential cause.”
Monday 10 March 2025 23:02 , Jabed Ahmed
Monday 10 March 2025 22:37 , Barney Davis
Matthew Atkinson, divisional commander for HM Coastguard said: “36 crew members were taken safely to shore, one person was taken to hospital.
“One crew member of the Solong remains unaccounted for. After an extensive search for the missing crew member, sadly they have not been found and the search has ended.
“The two vessels remain on fire and coastguard aircraft are monitoring the situation.
“An assessment of any required counter pollution response is being carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.”
Monday 10 March 2025 22:02 , Barney Davis
The Coastguard said it has ended the search for a missing crew member from the Solong container ship – which crashed into an oil tanker in the North Sea.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: “I am hugely grateful to HM Coastguard, the RNLI, and emergency services who have responded to this incident.
“They were on the scene swiftly, have helped rescue those in immediate danger and I know they will continue to work tirelessly over the coming days.
“My thoughts are with all those involved, especially the family of the missing crew member.
“The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch has begun a preliminary assessment and I am working closely with the MCA as they conduct an assessment of any counter pollution response which may be required over the coming days.”
Monday 10 March 2025 22:01 , Barney Davis
Greenpeace said it was “extremely concerned” about toxic hazards from the North Sea ship collision harming wildlife.
“As more information emerges about what the ships were carrying, we are extremely concerned about the multiple toxic hazards these chemicals could pose to marine life,” said Paul Johnston, a senior scientist at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories at Exeter University.
“The jet fuel that entered the water close to a breeding ground for harbour porpoises is toxic to fish and other sea creatures,” he added.
It comes after reports that the Solong cargo ship was carrying toxic sodium cyanide.
Sodium Cyanide dissolves in water and can have serious adverse health effects for those who come into direct physical contact with it.
It can cause seizures, vomiting and loss of consciousness. It is used in industry for metal cleaning, plating and extraction.
Monday 10 March 2025 21:03 , Barney Davis
Monday 10 March 2025 20:45 , Barney Davis
Monday 10 March 2025 20:30 , Jabed Ahmed
Monday 10 March 2025 20:15 , Barney Davis
Dr Tom Webb, senior lecturer in marine ecology and conservation at the University of Sheffield, said: “In addition to the wealth of marine life that is present all year round, this time of the year is crucial for many migratory species.
“Wading birds and waterfowl gather in large numbers as they move between wintering and breeding grounds, while soon Yorkshire’s iconic seabirds will be coming inshore to breed at sites like the world famous Brampton Cliffs.
“Chemical pollution resulting from incidents of this kind can directly impact birds, and it can also have long-lasting effects on the marine food webs that support them.
“We have to hope that any spills can be quickly contained and pollution minimised.”
Monday 10 March 2025 19:04 , Barney Davis
One member of the Solong crew was still missing as night fell, according to the ship’s Hamburg-based owner, Ernst Russ.
He confirmed that the search is still underway, before adding: “13 of the 14 Solong crew members have been brought safely ashore. Efforts to locate the missing crew member are ongoing.”
Government sources told The Times that one member of Solong crew was still missing in the North Sea after conflicting reports emerged.
They added that “search and rescue efforts are focused on the remaining missing crew member”.
Local MP Graham Stuart at first declared that only one person was in hospital and everyone had been rescued. He later told Sky News one person may be unaccounted for, based on the latest information he had been given.
Monday 10 March 2025 18:47 , Barney Davis
East Midlands Ambulance Service has said 36 people were assessed at the scene and did not need to be transported to hospital.
Alastair Smith, head of operations for Lincolnshire at East Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “We received a call at 11.28am on Monday 10 March to North Quay in Grimsby, relating to reports of a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire.
“A total of 36 patients were assessed on scene by our ambulance crews and none required transporting to hospital.”
Monday 10 March 2025 18:39
A wildlife charity boss has said chemicals leaking into the Humber could be “devastating for the wildlife of the estuary” as many birds are gathering offshore ahead of the nesting season and there are “significant numbers” of seals in the area.
Martin Slater, director of operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “East Yorkshire’s coast is home to protected and significant colonies of seabirds including puffins, razorbills, gannets and kittiwakes. Many birds are gathering offshore on the sea ahead of the nesting season.
“There are significant numbers of Atlantic grey seals in the area, many rearing this year’s young, as well as porpoises and other cetaceans around Spurn.
“If pollution spillage enters the Humber, this could potentially be devasting for the wildlife of the estuary, including important fish stocks and tens of thousands of overwintering and migrating birds who use the mud flats.”
Monday 10 March 2025 18:25 , Barney Davis
An environmental charity executive has called for cleaner energy sources amid fears the North Sea collision and chemical spill could contaminate fish, bird and seal populations.
Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, said: “This tragic event shows once again that spills occur everywhere Big Oil goes, be it drilling the ocean floor or transporting fossil fuels around the world.
“We are now seeing toxic oil pouring from the 183-metre-long tanker into – or very near – a sensitive area designated to protect declining harbour porpoises.
“As these animals are forced to come to the surface to breathe, they risk inhaling poisonous fumes and choking on oil.
“Local livelihoods could well be threatened in the North East since oil contamination can impact commercial fish populations, along with the shellfish industry, in addition to the potential impacts on human health.
“We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the destruction this industry causes. Ending the era of Big Oil and building a future powered by clean, renewable energy is paramount, for UK seas, for our communities and our future.”
Monday 10 March 2025 18:03
Sodium cyanide is a white solid with a faint almond-like smell that releases hydrogen cyanide gas, a highly toxic chemical asphyxiant that interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen.
Exposure to sodium cyanide can be rapidly fatal, according to the CDC.
Sodium cyanide is water reactive and can be used to contaminate water.
Hazardous concentrations may develop quickly in enclosed, poorly-ventilated, or low-lying areas.
Hydrogen cyanide gas produced from sodium cyanide mixes well with air and can be lethal within seconds of exposure. The chemical is used commercially for fumigation, electroplating, extracting gold and silver from ores and chemical manufacturing.
The early symptoms of cyanide poisoning include lightheadedness, giddiness, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, feeling of neck constriction and suffocation, confusion, restlessness, and anxiety, according to the CDC.
Monday 10 March 2025 17:47 , Barney Davis
A tanker carrying jet fuel for the US military was struck by a container ship carrying highly toxic Sodium Cyanide, igniting a blaze and multiple explosions.
The tanker, which has the potential to carry tens of thousands of tons of jet fuel, was at anchor when the smaller container ship struck it at speed, rupturing its cargo tank and releasing fuel into the sea.
Two maritime security sources said there was no indication of any malicious activity or other actors involved in the incident.
Monday 10 March 2025 17:20 , Barney Davis
The Solong vessel, which was involved in a collision off the coast of Britain on Monday, is carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide among other cargo, according to a report from maritime data provider Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
The container vessel was also transporting an unknown quantity of alcohol, the casualty report – an assessment of incidents at sea – said, citing a message from the local coastguard.
Sodium cyanide releases hydrogen cyanide gas, a highly toxic chemical asphyxiant that interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen. Exposure to sodium cyanide can be rapidly fatal, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say.
The UK coastguard authority did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
It came as the US Military confirmed the oil tanker was en route to US Navy’s Sealift Command.
Monday 10 March 2025 17:16 , Barney Davis
Monday 10 March 2025 17:06 , Barney Davis
Watch live aerials after oil tanker and cargo ship collide in North Sea
Monday 10 March 2025 17:03 , Barney Davis
Monday 10 March 2025 17:00 , Barney Davis
Sky News is reporting that a five mile air and sea exclusion zone around the tanker collision has been established as authorities try to put out the fire at sea.
It is understood this could be widened later to a 10-mile exclusion zone.
Monday 10 March 2025 16:28
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said it was an “extremely concerning situation”.
He said: “We thank the emergency services for their rapid response. I understand the Department for Transport is working closely with the coastguard to help support the response to the incident.
“We’re obviously monitoring the situation, we’ll continue to co-ordinate the response and we’re grateful to emergency personnel for their continued efforts.
“Asked if there were any theories about what happened, the spokesman said: “My understanding is the details are still becoming clear, so I don’t want to speculate on that.”
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed a team to conduct a preliminary assessment, the spokesman said.
Monday 10 March 2025 16:26 , Barney Davis
Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness Graham Stuart MP is calling for “proper accountability” for the human and ecological impacts of this North Sea collision.
Monday 10 March 2025 16:16 , Barney Davis
Erik Hånell, President & CEO, Stena Bulk said work was continuing to contain the fire in the North Sea.
In a statement, he said: “As a result of the incident, a cargo tank on the tanker carrying Jet A-1 fuel was breached, and a fire broke out. The crew of the Stena Immaculate abandoned the vessel and are all safe and accounted for.
“Stena Immaculate is operated and managed by the US-based logistics, marine and energy solutions company Crowley, serving government and commercial contracts.
“Crowley immediately initiated its emergency vessel response plan and is actively working with partners and the authorities to contain the fire and secure the vessel.
“A significant support operation is present in the vicinity and is being coordinated by HM Humber Coastguard.
“Crowley are taking primacy with communications on this incident.”
Monday 10 March 2025 16:09 , Jabed Ahmed
Monday 10 March 2025 16:07 , Barney Davis
Baroness Hayman of Ullock said she was “extremely shocked and concerned” about the North Sea collision.
Speaking in Parliament, Eevironment minister Lady Hayman said the Environment Agency was also engaging on any clean-up needed.
Describing it as an “emerging picture”, she added: “We are speaking very closely in Defra (the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) to the Department for Transport and Maritime and Coastguard Agency, who are leading the Government response on this and who are at the moment assessing the situation.”
Monday 10 March 2025 15:57 , Jabed Ahmed
Greenpeace UK said it was “too early” to know the extent of any environmental damage.
A spokesperson said: “We are monitoring reports of a cargo vessel crashing into an oil tanker off the coast of Yorkshire very closely.
“Both the high speed of the collision and the footage of the aftermath are cause for great concern.
“Right now, our thoughts are with all those affected by the incident and the emergency services responding to the situation.
“At this stage, it’s too early to assess the extent of any environmental damage. But the magnitude of any impact will depend on a number of factors, including the amount and type of oil carried by the tanker, the fuel carried by both ships, and how much of that, if any, has entered the water.
“Sea and weather conditions will also be important in determining how any spill behaves.
“In the case of an oil spill or any loss of hazardous cargo from the container ship involved, the speed of the response will also be crucial in limiting any impact.”
Monday 10 March 2025 15:49 , Jabed Ahmed
Video: Smoke billows from oil tanker and cargo ship collision in North Sea
Monday 10 March 2025 15:46 , Jabed Ahmed
Graham Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness, said he understood that only one person was in hospital following the collision.
The Tory MP said: “Like many people across Beverley and Holderness and beyond, I’ve been watching the images from off the coast of Withernsea with a great deal of concern.
“I’ve now spoken with the Transport Secretary and I understand that only one person is in hospital.
“The other 36 mariners across both crews are safe and accounted for.
“While we will be thankful that everyone has been brought ashore, I continue to be concerned about the potential ecological impact.
“That’s why I’m calling for a unified command structure, to bring together government, police, Coastguard, the Environment Agency, local authorities and your MPs together.”
Monday 10 March 2025 15:36 , Jabed Ahmed
The HM Coastguard’s Counter Pollution and Salvage (CPS) Team addresses maritime pollution incidents. This ranges from oil spills to debris such as plastics and timber.
Responsibility for responding to maritime pollution within the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone, extending up to 200 nautical miles from land, primarily falls to HM Coastguard.
However, Local port or harbour authorities handle incidents within their jurisdictions, often deploying their own counter-pollution equipment, the coastguards website says.
For pollution originating from land, environmental regulators like the Environment Agency or local councils may take charge.
If the pollution exceeds the responsible party’s capacity to manage, the CPS Team ensures an adequate response to protect public health and the environment. They collaborate with specialist agencies, including nature conservation bodies and fishery regulators, to assess potential impacts and guide the response strategy.
For large-scale incidents, they utilise dedicated pollution response equipment and contractors, with stockpiles strategically located across the UK to ensure rapid deployment within 15 hours.
Monday 10 March 2025 15:29 , Jabed Ahmed
HM Coastguard has said it is assessing the “likely counter pollution response required” after the collision in the North Sea.
It said in a statement: “HM Coastguard is currently co-ordinating the emergency response to reports of a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire resulting in fires aboard both vessels. The alarm was raised at 9.48am.
“A coastguard rescue helicopter from Humberside was called, alongside lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Maplethorpe and Cleethorpes, an HM Coastguard fixed wing aircraft and nearby vessels with fire-fighting capability.
“The incident remains ongoing and an assessment of the likely counter pollution response required is being enacted.”
Monday 10 March 2025 15:19 , Jabed Ahmed
In a statement posted on social media, maritime firm Crowley, which manages the tanker involved in the collision, said: “At approximately 10am UTC/5am EST on March 10 2025, while anchored off the North Sea coast near Hull, United Kingdom, the Crowley-managed tanker Stena Immaculate was struck by the container ship Solong.
“The Stena Immaculate sustained a ruptured cargo tank containing Jet-Al fuel due to the allision.
“A fire occurred as a result of the allision, and fuel was reported released.
“The Stena Immaculate crew abandoned the vessel following multiple explosions onboard.
“All Crowley mariners are safe and fully accounted for.
“Crowley immediately initiated its emergency vessel response plan and is actively working with public agencies to contain the fire and secure the vessel.
“Our first priority is the safety of the people and environment.
“We will provide more updates as information becomes available.”
Monday 10 March 2025 15:12 , Jabed Ahmed
US-based logistics firm Crowley, which operates and is the joint owner of the MV Stena Immaculate, has said the vessel was carrying jet fuel when it was hit.
In a statement seen by the BBC, the company said: “A fire occurred as a result of the allision, and fuel was reported released. The Stena Immaculate crew abandoned the vessel following multiple explosions onboard. All Crowley mariners are safe and fully accounted for.”
The jet fuel was owned by the US government, according to the BBC.
Monday 10 March 2025 15:09 , Jabed Ahmed
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