North Sea Collision: Environmental and Safety Concerns Rise
The search for the missing crew member has concluded as fires persist following a collision in the North Sea off East Yorkshire. The incident involved the US-registered Stena Immaculate, transporting jet fuel for the US military, and the Portuguese-flagged Solong, which was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide. The crash occurred shortly before 9:50 a.m., leading to the rescue of 36 individuals, with one person hospitalized. Unfortunately, one crew member from the Solong remains unaccounted for, and the search has been called off. HM Coastguard’s Divisional Commander, Matthew Atkinson, stated: “After an extensive search for the missing crew member, sadly they have not been found and the search has ended.” He also noted that both vessels continue to burn, with coastguard aircraft monitoring the situation. The Solong’s cargo of sodium cyanide, a highly toxic chemical used primarily in gold mining, raises environmental concerns. Authorities are assessing potential pollution control measures to mitigate any hazards resulting from the collision. Efforts to evaluate environmental damage are ongoing, especially considering the jet fuel spill from the Stena Immaculate. Emergency response teams, including helicopters, lifeboats, and firefighting vessels, have been deployed to manage the situation.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has begun gathering evidence to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary assessments are underway to guide subsequent investigative steps.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander praised the swift response of the coastguard, RNLI, and emergency services, acknowledging their efforts in rescuing those in immediate danger.
The Stena Immaculate had traveled from Agioi Theodoroi, Greece, and was anchored near the Humber Estuary at the time of the collision. The Solong was en route from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands, carrying sodium cyanide among other cargo.
Greenpeace has expressed significant concern regarding the multiple toxic hazards resulting from the collision, emphasizing the potential environmental impact of the substances involved.
Downing Street described the situation as “extremely concerning,” with the Department for Transport collaborating closely with the coastguard to support the ongoing response efforts.
