Portuguese Cargo Ship and U.S. Tanker Collide in North Sea, Sparking Massive Fire

A Portuguese-flagged cargo ship collided with a U.S.-flagged oil tanker in the North Sea, sparking major fires on both vessels and a large-scale rescue operation. More than 30 casualties have been brought ashore, but some crew members remain unaccounted for, The Telegraph reported on March 10.

The tanker, Stena Immaculate, was anchored off Immingham when it was struck by the Solong, a container ship en route to Rotterdam. The impact reportedly triggered a “massive fireball,” with crew members forced to abandon both ships as flames engulfed them.

The UK Coastguard deployed helicopters, lifeboats, and other aircraft to the scene, with rescue vessels from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes assisting in evacuation efforts.

“The alarm was raised at 9:48 a.m.,” a Coastguard spokesperson confirmed. “A counter-pollution response is also being assessed.”

Port of Grimsby East chief executive Martyn Boyers described a chaotic rescue effort, with casualties arriving on multiple vessels. “They must have sent a mayday out—luckily, a crew transfer vessel was nearby,” he said. “Since then, ambulances have been rushing in to pick up survivors.”

Maritime expert and U.S. naval history professor Sal Mercogliano suggested that the Solong may have been operating on autopilot before the collision.

“I get the distinct impression no one on board was paying attention,” he said.

“She was traveling at full speed, heading straight for the anchored tanker. The mate on watch was likely distracted,” he added.

Ship-tracking data indicates the Solong struck the port side of the Stena Immaculate, pushing the tanker some distance before impact forces slowed it down.

While the full extent of the environmental impact is unclear, concerns have been raised over a potential oil spill. The Stena Immaculate was reportedly carrying Jet A1 aviation fuel, with a capacity of over 58 million liters.

An audio recording from Humber Coastguard warned ships to keep a safe distance, confirming that Jet A1 fuel was on fire and in the water.

Two Coastguard aircraft remain on-site, alongside offshore supply ships assisting with firefighting and search-and-rescue operations.

Earlier, a cargo ship and an oil tanker collided in Russia’s Novorossiysk port.

According to preliminary information, severe weather conditions and a delayed engine start caused the Natig Aliyev tanker to drift at anchor, eventually crashing into the cargo vessel Begonia S.