North Sea collision: tanker on fire after collision with boxship

The chemical/product tanker USA-flagged Stena Immaculate managed by Crowley was involved in a collision in the North Sea off the Humber Estuary, UK on March 10.

The other vessel involved was the container vessel named Solong, according to Crowley and WK Webster report.

Shipping claims specialist WK Webster said it received reports that the chemical/product tanker Stena Immaculate (IMO: 9693018) and the container ship Solong (IMO: 9322554) are the two vessels involved in the collision.

“The Stena Immaculate sustained a ruptured cargo tank containing Jet-A1 fuel due to the allision,” said a statement from Crowley, which manages the tanker.

The tanker’s crew abandoned the vessel following multiple explosions on board but are all accounted for.

“A fire occurred as a result of the allision, and fuel was reported released. The Stena Immaculate crew abandoned the vessel following multiple explosions onboard. All Crowley mariners are safe and fully accounted for,” Crowley added.

Crowley said that immediately initiated its emergency vessel response plan and is actively working with public agencies to contain the fire and secure the vessel.

“Our first priority is the safety of the people and environment. We will provide more updates as information becomes available.”

Marine Traffic data shows that the USA-flagged Stena Immaculate has been on a voyage from Agioi Theodoroi, Greece. The tanker arrived at Immingham anchorage on March 9.

Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said via social media platform X that she was “concerned to hear of the collision between two vessels in the North Sea this morning and am liaising with officials and HM Coastguard as the situation develops”.

“I want to thank all emergency service workers involved for their continued efforts in responding to the incident.”

Details on the exact cause of the allision remain unclear. Firefighting tugs have been dispatched to the scene to assist, according to reports from WK Webster.