A crew member remains missing after a dramatic collision between two ships in the North Sea, as concerns grow over fire, pollution and toxic cargo.
The search for the missing sailor has now been called off after an extensive operation, HM Coastguard has confirmed.
The collision, which took place off the East Yorkshire coast, involved the US-registered Stena Immaculate, carrying jet fuel for the US military and the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel Solong, transporting highly toxic sodium cyanide.
The impact was so sudden that crew members on board the Stena Immaculate described how the cargo vessel “came out of the blue.” One sailor told CBS News that “everybody had only seconds to react.”
All 36 rescued crew members were brought ashore at Grimsby docks but attention is now turning to how such an incident could have happened, given the technology designed to prevent collisions.
Meanwhile, a fire is still burning on board one of the ships, with emergency services pouring deluges of water onto the tanker to prevent it from sinking. The Stena Immaculate remains afloat but the extent of the fuel spill is still unknown.
Investigators are also racing to determine whether the sodium cyanide containers on the Solong remain intact. The chemical is highly toxic when mixed with water, raising fears of a major environmental disaster if the cargo has leaked.
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency is now leading efforts to contain any pollution and prevent further damage to the surrounding waters.
Matthew Atkinson, Divisional Commander for HM Coastguard said:
“Fires were reported on both vessels, two HM Coastguard helicopters, a coastguard fixed wing aircraft and RNLI lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes were sent, along with several nearby vessels with firefighting capabilities.
“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. The Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention is working with the salvors and insurance companies.
“The incident remains ongoing and updates will be provided throughout.”
