A dramatic and potentially catastrophic incident has unfolded in the North Sea, where a cargo ship collided with an oil tanker on Monday, resulting in a massive fire that has left one person dead and raised concerns about the environmental impact of the disaster. According to the Humberside Police, an investigation into the incident is currently underway, with the authorities working to determine the cause of the collision and the circumstances surrounding the loss of life.
As the probe continues, police have confirmed that a 59-year-old man, identified as the captain of the cargo ship, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter due to gross negligence. The arrest was made after a thorough search operation for a missing crew member from the cargo ship was concluded without success, leading officials to believe that the individual had tragically lost their life in the disaster.
The cargo ship, named “Solong” and flying the flag of Madeira, a Portuguese autonomous region, had set sail from the Scottish port of Grangemouth on Sunday, bound for the Dutch city of Rotterdam. However, its journey was abruptly cut short when it collided with the oil tanker “MV Stena Immaculate”, which was anchored off the coast of Hull, England, at around 10 am local time on Monday.
The impact of the collision sparked a devastating fire that engulfed both vessels, prompting a swift response from the UK Coast Guard, which managed to rescue 36 crew members to safety. Unfortunately, one crew member from the cargo ship remains unaccounted for, and despite extensive search efforts, their fate remains uncertain.
While the fire on the oil tanker has been brought under control, the blaze on the cargo ship continues to burn, with officials working tirelessly to extinguish the flames. The incident has also raised concerns about the potential environmental damage, as the oil tanker was carrying a cargo of jet fuel, some of which has leaked into the sea.
In a statement, the owners of the cargo ship, Ernst Russ, confirmed that their vessel was not carrying a cargo of sodium cyanide, as had been previously reported. However, they did acknowledge that four empty containers on board had previously been used to transport the toxic chemical.
As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, UK government ministers have expressed differing opinions on the likelihood of the ships remaining afloat or sinking. The BBC has reported that the ships are at risk of capsizing, while others have suggested that they may remain buoyant.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges associated with maritime transport, and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of crew members and the environment. As the authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding this disaster, the thoughts of many will be with the families of those affected, particularly the loved ones of the crew member who lost their life in this tragic incident.
Source: BBC
