Search for Missing Crew Member Ends Following Collision in North Sea
The HM Coastguard concludes extensive search operations after an oil tanker and container ship collide off East Yorkshire.
The search for a missing crew member from the Solong container ship has been officially concluded following a collision with the oil tanker MV Stena Immaculate in the North Sea near East Yorkshire.
The incident occurred on Monday morning, leading to extensive search operations coordinated by HM Coastguard.
Initially, it was reported that all personnel aboard both vessels had been accounted for.
However, Ernst Russ, the owner of the Solong, later confirmed the search for one crew member was underway, while the other 13 crew members were safely assisted ashore.
Matthew Atkinson, divisional commander for HM Coastguard, verified that 36 crew members were safely evacuated, with one individual taken to hospital.
Despite the efforts over several hours to locate the missing crew member, the search has now been deemed unsuccessful.
The two ships involved in the incident are currently ablaze, with coastguard aircraft deployed to monitor the situation.
An assessment regarding potential counter-pollution measures is ongoing, conducted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
According to statements from the shipping company Crowley, which manages the MV Stena Immaculate, the vessel experienced multiple explosions on board after a ruptured cargo tank released Jet-A1 fuel.
At the time of the collision, it was stated that the tanker was anchored in the North Sea, having departed from a Greek port and en route to Hull.
In contrast, the Solong was reportedly carrying toxic sodium cyanide and was bound for Rotterdam.
Footage captured from the scene depicted flames and thick black smoke rising from both vessels, prompting immediate emergency responses including helicopter deployments and lifeboats from four coastal bases.
Heidi Alexander, the UK transport secretary, expressed gratitude toward HM Coastguard and emergency services, acknowledging their rapid response to the incident.
She conveyed her sympathy to the family of the missing crew member and confirmed that the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch has commenced a preliminary investigation into the collision.
Local officials in Hull, including Mike Ross, the council leader, reflected on the alarming scenes and assured that emergency response efforts would extend across the region to address the incident and its aftermath.
Environmental organization Greenpeace UK stated that they are closely monitoring the situation but highlighted that it is premature to evaluate the potential environmental impacts resulting from the collision and subsequent fire.
Experts in marine safety have pointed out that various automated systems onboard vessels, such as radar and automatic identification systems (AIS), typically prevent collisions at sea.
David McFarlane, a director of Marine Risk and Safety Consultants, noted that human error often plays a substantial role in maritime accidents.
There were reports of fog in the North Sea at the time of the collision; however, McFarlane asserted that such conditions would not have interfered with vessels’ ability to detect each other using AIS technology.
He indicated that any ship approaching within a certain distance would be visible on radar, allowing for timely communication between vessels to avert potential collisions.
As investigations continue, both the maritime community and local authorities remain focused on managing the ongoing emergency and assessing the broader implications of this incident.
The incident occurred on Monday morning, leading to extensive search operations coordinated by HM Coastguard.
Initially, it was reported that all personnel aboard both vessels had been accounted for.
However, Ernst Russ, the owner of the Solong, later confirmed the search for one crew member was underway, while the other 13 crew members were safely assisted ashore.
Matthew Atkinson, divisional commander for HM Coastguard, verified that 36 crew members were safely evacuated, with one individual taken to hospital.
Despite the efforts over several hours to locate the missing crew member, the search has now been deemed unsuccessful.
The two ships involved in the incident are currently ablaze, with coastguard aircraft deployed to monitor the situation.
An assessment regarding potential counter-pollution measures is ongoing, conducted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
According to statements from the shipping company Crowley, which manages the MV Stena Immaculate, the vessel experienced multiple explosions on board after a ruptured cargo tank released Jet-A1 fuel.
At the time of the collision, it was stated that the tanker was anchored in the North Sea, having departed from a Greek port and en route to Hull.
In contrast, the Solong was reportedly carrying toxic sodium cyanide and was bound for Rotterdam.
Footage captured from the scene depicted flames and thick black smoke rising from both vessels, prompting immediate emergency responses including helicopter deployments and lifeboats from four coastal bases.
Heidi Alexander, the UK transport secretary, expressed gratitude toward HM Coastguard and emergency services, acknowledging their rapid response to the incident.
She conveyed her sympathy to the family of the missing crew member and confirmed that the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch has commenced a preliminary investigation into the collision.
Local officials in Hull, including Mike Ross, the council leader, reflected on the alarming scenes and assured that emergency response efforts would extend across the region to address the incident and its aftermath.
Environmental organization Greenpeace UK stated that they are closely monitoring the situation but highlighted that it is premature to evaluate the potential environmental impacts resulting from the collision and subsequent fire.
Experts in marine safety have pointed out that various automated systems onboard vessels, such as radar and automatic identification systems (AIS), typically prevent collisions at sea.
David McFarlane, a director of Marine Risk and Safety Consultants, noted that human error often plays a substantial role in maritime accidents.
There were reports of fog in the North Sea at the time of the collision; however, McFarlane asserted that such conditions would not have interfered with vessels’ ability to detect each other using AIS technology.
He indicated that any ship approaching within a certain distance would be visible on radar, allowing for timely communication between vessels to avert potential collisions.
As investigations continue, both the maritime community and local authorities remain focused on managing the ongoing emergency and assessing the broader implications of this incident.
