Bridlington RNLI Responds to Tanker Collision off East Yorkshire Coast

Bridlington RNLI was among the first responders to a collision between an oil tanker and a cargo ship off the coast of East Yorkshire on Monday

At 10.20 am, HM Coastguard tasked four lifeboat crews, including Bridlington, to support the response to reports of a collision between two vessels.

The incident occurred approximately 13 miles from the coast. A five-mile air and sea exclusion zone was put in place around the location of the incident and may be widened to 10 miles if required.

According to reports, a number of people had abandoned the vessels, and fires had broken out on both ships. By 11.40 am, Cleethorpes had been stood down, while Bridlington, Mablethorpe and Skegness continued to support search and rescue efforts. The incident was ongoing as of 3.30 pm, with the RNLI and HM Coastguard working together.

The oil tanker, named Stena Immaculate, sailing under a US flag, collided with the cargo ship Solong, which is Portuguese-flagged. The US logistics group Crowley, which manages the oil tanker Stena Immaculate, confirmed that the vessel had released some jet fuel after sustaining a ruptured cargo tank. The firm stated:

"The Stena Immaculate sustained a ruptured cargo tank containing Jet-A1 fuel due to the allision (when a moving ship hits a stationary object),"  

"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". Crowley also stated that all its mariners are safe and fully accounted for and that its "first priority is the safety of the people and environment".

All people who were onboard the oil tanker and cargo ship have been brought ashore after the vessels collided and exploded.

One person's been taken to hospital following the incident off the coast of East Yorkshire.

The tanker was carrying jet fuel - while the other vessel was carrying the toxic chemical sodium cyanide.

The Coastguard's emergency message warned other ships to stay away from the area. 

The message stated that the Stena is carrying Jet-A1 fuel, which is on fire and in the water, and advised vessels to remain at a safe distance.

Chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East Martyn Boyers gave an update on the condition of those rescued so far:

Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire 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 of Yorkshire council will offer our full support, where necessary, to support the response to this incident."

Scarborough and Whitby MP, Alison Hume, said:

"I’m very concerned about the collision between two vessels in the North Sea, near the Humber Estuary.

Emergency services are on the scene, and I want to express my gratitude for their ongoing efforts and in particular the RNLI volunteers in attendance.
At the moment it is too early to say anything further except to add that I'm thinking everyone affected by this incident."

Greenpeace UK has also responded to the collision, with a spokesperson stating, 

"We are monitoring reports of a cargo vessel crashing into an oil tanker off the coast of Yorkshire very closely. Both the high speed of the collision and the footage of the aftermath are cause for great concern". 

The spokesperson added, "At this stage, it’s too early to assess the extent of any environmental damage," but noted that the magnitude of any impact will depend on several factors, including the amount and type of oil carried by the tanker, the fuel carried by both ships, and how much of that, if any, has entered the water. "Sea and weather conditions will also be important in determining how any spill behaves. In the case of an oil spill or any loss of hazardous cargo from the container ship involved, the speed of the response will also be crucial in limiting any impact".