One crew member is still believed to be missing after an oil tanker and a cargo vessel collided off the coast of East Yorkshire.
In a statement late on Monday night, the Coastguard said it had called off its “extensive” search. It came after the owner of the cargo ship had said one of its crew of 14 was still missing.
The US-flagged MV Stena Immaculate tanker, which was carrying US military jet fuel, was at anchor about 10 miles off the coast of Withernsea when it was struck by the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MV Solong just before 10am on Monday, March 10, causing a “massive fireball” and black smoke billowing into the air.
The fires raged throughout the day and night, and while the blaze on the Stena Immaculate had been largely extinguished by Tuesday morning, the Coastguard said Solong remained on fire and had drifted from the original site of the collision.
The incident yesterday prompted a large-scale emergency response co-ordinated by HM Coastguard.
Lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes were launched, along with a coastguard rescue helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft. Nearby vessels equipped with firefighting capabilities were also sent to the scene.
The Solong, which had been proceeding at a speed of 16 knots before it struck the tanker, was first thought to have carrying containers of highly toxic sodium cyanide, among other cargo.
However, PA reported this morning that German shipping company Ernst Russ, which operates the Solong, said the vessel was carrying empty containers that were previously used to transport the chemical.
In a statement, Ernst Russ said: “We are able to confirm that there are no containers onboard laden with sodium cyanide, as has been misreported.
“There are four empty containers that previously contained the hazardous chemical, and these containers will continue to be monitored.”
Video from the scene shortly after the incident yesterday showed a black smoke billowing from the tanker, with reports of a “massive fireball” being seen from Grimsby. The crew abandoned both ships at the time of the crash as jet fuel flowed into the sea.
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart said he had spoken to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, and that he understood just one crew member had been taken to hospital, while the other 36 were all safe and accounted for.
However, a statement from Solong’s owner, the German shipping company Ernst Russ later said one of its 14 crew was still missing.
Mr Stuart said: “Like many people across Beverley and Holderness and beyond, I’ve been watching the images from off the coast of Withernsea with a great deal of concern.
“I’ve now spoken with the Transport Secretary and I understand that only one person is in hospital. The other 36 mariners across both crews are safe and accounted for.
“While we will be thankful that everyone has been brought ashore, I continue to be concerned about the potential ecological impact.
“That’s why I’m calling for a unified command structure, to bring together government, police, Coast Guard, the Environment Agency, local authorities and your MPs together.”
In East Yorkshire, councillors sought to reassure residents that there were plans in place to deal with any impact locally.
South East Holderness councillor Sean McMaster said: “As we watch the terrible events unfold in the North Sea today, my thoughts are with both the crews of the two vessels involved in the collision, and all those involved in tackling the blaze and rescuing those on board.
“Both myself and Cllr Lyn Healing have been contacing officers at East Riding Council and the Environment Agency, and we have been assured that an emergency plan is in place and ready to be implemented if required.
“The situation is ongoing, and will likely be for some time. We will update residents as and when more information becomes available.”
Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding Council leader, said: “This tragic incident is deeply alarming, and we are closely monitoring developments.
“Our thoughts go out to all those affected, as well as with the phenomenal work of the emergency services at this difficult time.
“East Riding Council will offer our full support, where necessary, to support the response to this incident.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “I’m 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.”
Wildlife organisations expressed serious concerns about the potential impact of the incident, as the East Yorkshire coast is home to protected and significant colonies of seabirds including puffins, razorbills, gannets and kittiwakes. Many birds are gathering offshore on the sea ahead of nesting season.
There are also significant numbers of seals in the area, many rearing this year’s young, as well as porpoises and other cetaceans around Spurn.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, which owns and manages Spurn National Nature Reserve, said that if any pollution spillage entered the Humber, it could potentially be devastating for overwintering and migrating birds who use the mud flats.
Martin Slater, director of operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone on the ships and the rescue crews. This is obviously a very worrying incident and we’re following developments closely, including waiting to see if there is any pollution into the North Sea from this incident.”
Richard Barnard, RSPB area manager, said: “Our first thoughts are with the crew of the ships and those involved in the current rescue operation.
“The RSPB is also extremely concerned about the potential impact of this tanker collision on the marine environment. Much will depend on the type of fuel on board and sea currents.
“The whole area around the collision is important for birds, home to internationally important populations of seabirds. To the south is the Greater Wash Special Protection area, a vital location for wintering red-throated divers and common scoters.
“To the north and west the RSPB’s seabird nature reserve at Bempton Cliffs. We also need to consider any potential impacts on our estuaries, such as the Humber and the Wash. Oil directly impacts seabirds, coating their feathers and reducing their waterproofing and buoyancy, which can lead to drowning, or it can poison them through ingestion.
“Overall, the RSPB is concerned about the current resilience of seabird populations. Many seabird populations are facing long-term declines and were hard hit by avian flu, and most have yet to see any recovery from this.
“There is still a question mark over the restriction of fishing for sandeels, a vital food source for many seabirds. Added to this is the ongoing pressure on our marine environment from development such as large-scale wind farms especially off the east coast. A potential pollution incident is the last thing these birds need.”
British Divers Marine Life Rescue said it was part of the Environmental Incident Wildlife Response plan, for incidents such as oil spills affecting the Yorkshire coastline.
In a statement, it said: “Should any affected marine life be reported following this incident, we will attend alongside our partnered agencies to assist.
“If you see any marine mammal along the coastline which you are concerned has been affected by the incident, do not approach or touch them, and call BDMLR for assistance on: 01825 765546. For affected birds, please call the RSPCA on: 0300 123 4999.
“Our thoughts are with all who are affected.”
A spokesman for Withernsea Town Council said: “Our thoughts are with all those currently involved in the shipping accident off our coast.
“We are all hopeful for a safe rescue of all personnel and our thanks go to all the emergency services involved.”
Main image: Getty Images