A devastating collision between two large vessels in the North Sea has left one crew member unaccounted for, sparked major fires, and raised environmental concerns due to the hazardous cargo on board. The incident occurred just before 10:00 GMT on Monday off the East Yorkshire coast in a busy shipping area.
Collision and Immediate Impact
According to reports, a large cargo ship carrying highly toxic chemicals struck an oil tanker that was at anchor. One sailor aboard the tanker described how the cargo vessel “came out of the blue,” with the crew having only seconds to react before impact. Witnesses have stated that the cargo ship did not immediately stop and drove into the tanker for what seemed like ten minutes.
Following the collision, flames erupted, forcing the tanker’s crew into an emergency response. Despite their efforts, the fire could not be contained, and the decision was made to abandon the ship. The crew evacuated in a lifeboat, with the captain being the last to disembark. Some sailors reportedly suffered singed hair due to the intense heat from the flames.
Rescue and Casualties
The UK Coastguard has confirmed that 36 crew members were rescued, with one person taken to the hospital. However, one crew member from the cargo ship remains missing. After an extensive search, authorities have called off the search operation.
Ongoing Fires and Environmental Threats
As of the latest updates, both ships are still burning nearly 24 hours after the collision. Salvage crews are working to assess the situation, but officials have stated it is too early to declare the fires extinguished.
Authorities are also investigating reports that the cargo ship was transporting sodium cyanide, a highly toxic chemical. If released into the water, it could pose a severe risk to marine life. The tanker, which was carrying jet fuel, has already spilled an undetermined amount into the sea. Environmental organizations are on standby to assist with any wildlife impact, as the area is home to significant seabird populations, seals, dolphins, and other marine species.
Investigation Underway
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is currently analyzing the circumstances surrounding the collision. Experts have pointed out that both ships carry voyage data recorders—similar to black boxes in aircraft—which will provide key insights into the events leading up to the crash.
Maritime safety specialists have described the incident as highly concerning, particularly given the advanced technology designed to prevent such accidents. Questions remain about whether human error played a role, as well as the extent of the damage to the vessels and their cargo.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is actively working with vessel owners to coordinate salvage efforts and mitigate further environmental damage. Authorities are also deploying containment measures, such as inflatable booms and dispersants, to manage the potential spread of pollutants.
With fires still raging and investigations ongoing, the full scale of the impact—both environmental and operational—remains uncertain. Further updates are expected as authorities continue to assess the damage and the potential risks posed by the hazardous cargo on board.
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Source: BBC
