Tanker and container ship on fire after allision in North Sea; one crew member missing

Fire broke out on two vessels off the coast of East Yorkshire when a stationary tanker, carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel, was struck on its port side by a container ship on Monday (10 March). 

Crowley-managed tanker Stena Immaculate, which was anchored off the North Sea coast near Hull, United Kingdom, was hit by the container ship Solong and as a result, at least one cargo tank containing Jet-A1 fuel was ruptured. The incident took place at approximately 10 am UTC (5 am EDT). 

“At this stage, it is unclear what volume of fuel may have been released as a result of the incident. At the time it was struck, the 183-meter (596-foot) Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks,” Crowley said. 

“Crowley is supporting the relevant authorities in the UK who are investigating the incident and will defer to them for any further questions on potential cause.”

Stena Immaculate is managed by US-based logistics, marine and energy solutions company Crowley through a joint venture with owner Stena Bulk USA. In 2023, the tanker was selected by the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) to serve in its Tanker Security Programme. 

“While under charter on this voyage for the Military Sealift Command, the tanker was anchored while it awaited berth availability at the Port of Killingholme, where it was due to make a standard delivery of fuel as part of a routine service under this program when it was struck,” Crowley added. 

All 23 Crowley mariners that were on board are safe and accounted for with no reported injuries at this time. 

However, HM Coastguard said one crew member of the Solong remains unaccounted for after an extensive search for the missing crew member.

“Sadly they have not been found and the search has ended,” it said. 

In its latest update, HM Coastguard said the incident remains ongoing and an assessment of the likely counter pollution response required is being enacted. 

Photo credit: Stena Bulk
Published: 11 March, 2025