A dramatic marine accident has unfolded off the coast of the United Kingdom, where a cargo ship collided with an oil tanker, resulting in a massive fire. The incident, which occurred on Monday, March 10, 2024, has left onlookers stunned and raised concerns about the potential environmental impact.
According to reports from international news agencies, the collision between the two vessels took place off the northeastern coast of England, prompting a swift response from the UK’s coast guard. Fortunately, 37 crew members have been rescued so far, but the situation remains precarious, with fuel oil leaking into the sea.
The oil tanker, MV Stena Immaculate, was carrying jet fuel owned by the US government when it was struck by the cargo ship, Solong, at around 10:00 AM local time. Theowner of the oil tanker, Crowley, a US-based shipping company, revealed that the collision caused multiple explosions on board, but all 20 crew members were rescued and are safe. However, the jet fuel is currently spilling into the ocean.
The UK’s coast guard has dispatched helicopters and lifeboats from nearby towns, as well as a fire-fighting vessel, to the scene in the North Sea. The Solong, which is registered in Madeira, a Portuguese autonomous region, had set sail from the port of Grangemouth in Scotland on Sunday, March 9, and was headed to Rotterdam, Netherlands, when the collision occurred.
The cause of the accident is still unknown, and an investigation is likely to follow. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of maritime transport and the potential environmental consequences of such accidents.
