Following the collision of an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea, the intervention and search efforts for the resulting fire have been concluded. While a total of 36 crew members were rescued, it was reported that one person is still missing. It was mentioned that 15 containers of sodium cyanide were found on the cargo ship, leading to the declaration of the accident area as a “restricted zone for entry by air and sea.” Concerns about the leakage of toxic waste and jet fuel into the sea from the ships as a result of the accident were raised.
Rescue and firefighting operations were initiated after the collision of the US-flagged oil tanker Stena Immaculate and the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Solong in the North Sea.
According to a report from Sky News, a fire broke out on the US tanker as a result of the collision, and it was stated that some crew members abandoned the ships. Coast Guard teams rescued 36 people, while it was reported that one crew member is still missing.
Coast Guard teams ended search operations around 21:40 while fires continued on both ships. It was reported that 15 containers of sodium cyanide and an unknown amount of alcohol were found on the cargo ship.
According to the report by Sky News, there is an approximately 8-kilometer restricted zone for entry by air and sea around the scene.
It was mentioned that if needed, this zone could be expanded up to 16 kilometers.
Two maritime security sources speaking to Reuters stated that there was “no indication” that the incident was an attack. The US logistics group Crowley, which operates the oil tanker Stena Immaculate, confirmed that some jet fuel leaked after an explosion in the cargo tank of the ship.
The company stated that they had initiated an emergency ship intervention plan and were actively working with public agencies to “control the fire and secure the ship.” Shortly after the collision, a message released by the Coast Guard warned other ships to stay away from the area.
According to the UK Meteorological Department, visibility in the area was low before the dangerous collision occurred.