North Sea collision ignites massive fires and rescue efforts
A collision has occurred in the North Sea involving two ships: a tanker and a container vessel. A rescue operation is currently underway, with 32 injured individuals already transported to shore.
Both ships involved in the collision on Monday in the North Sea are on fire, Reuters has reported, citing rescue services. The maritime rescue service RNLI stated that "a number of people had abandoned the vessels following a collision." The rescue operation is ongoing and, according to the latest reports, 32 people have been evacuated to shore.
Rescue operation on the high seas
Martyn Boyers, head of the port of Grimsby East, told the BBC that a "massive fireball" was seen after the ships collided. The condition of the evacuated crew members remains unknown.
Although official data about the vessels has not been disclosed, RNLI, using the Vessel Finder service, identified them as the American tanker MV Stena Immaculate and the container ship Solong, which was sailing from Scotland to Rotterdam. According to the agency, the tanker was anchored at the time of the collision.
Rescue units from several locations, including Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes, have been dispatched to the scene. The operation also involves ships equipped with firefighting equipment, a rescue helicopter, and a coastguard plane.
The collision occurred in the North Sea, off the coast of Hull, approximately 155 miles north of London. The situation is dynamic, and rescue services are working intensively to control the fire and ensure the safety of the crews from both ships.
