Latest news with #Lloyd'sListIntelligence
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
Container ship captain arrested after UK tanker crash
British police have arrested the captain of a cargo ship on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, a day after the vessel crashed into a tanker carrying US military jet fuel off the east coast of England, leaving both vessels badly damaged. The tanker, Stena Immaculate, which carries jet fuel for the US military, was at anchor on Monday when it was struck by the smaller Solong, causing huge fires and explosions, releasing fuel into the sea, and potentially posing a danger to wildlife. Neither vessel is now expected to sink, transport minister Heidi Alexander said in a statement after an earlier assessment had said the Solong was unlikely to remain afloat. One crew member from the Portuguese-flagged Solong is assumed dead, maritime minister Mike Kane told parliament. Thirty-six people were brought ashore following the incident and no others remain missing, the coastguard said. "We have arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the collision," police said in a statement. The ship's owner, Ernst Russ, said the arrested man was the ship's captain, or master. "The master and our entire team are actively assisting with the investigations," Russ said. Aerial video on Tuesday showed a gaping hole in Stena Immaculate's hull, with fire damage along its length, although the flames that engulfed it after the collision appeared to have subsided. Crowley, the US logistics group which operated the Stena Immaculate, said in a statement the fire onboard had greatly diminished with no visible flames. — Crowley (@CrowleyMaritime) March 11, 2025 The Solong appeared badly burned and smouldering. The coastguard said a one-kilometre exclusion zone had been placed around both vessels. "... early indications suggest that both vessels are now expected to stay afloat and that the Solong can be towed away from the shore, and salvage operations can get underway," Alexander said after a meeting with the coastguard agency. Owners of the Solong said the vessel was not carrying sodium cyanide, contrary to an earlier report from maritime data provider Lloyd's List Intelligence, which cited the local coastguard, but conservation groups said the environmental impact from the spillage of jet fuel could prove wide reaching. The Solong owners said they were monitoring four containers which had previously been used to store sodium cyanide. The surrounding area is home to large colonies of protected seabirds including puffins and gannets as well as a delicate coastal ecosystem. Dutch marine provider Boskalis, appointed to salvage the Stena Immaculate tanker, said four ships carrying foam and extinguishing agents were heading to the scene. Authorities are ready to deploy equipment to minimise pollution at sea, including spray dispersants for oil spills and containment booms, if required, the British government said. The potential environmental impact remains under assessment. Local MP Graham Stuart said most of the spilled jet fuel appeared now to have burned off and there was no sign of either ship leaking engine oil. ++++ UPDATE ON HUMBER OIL TANKER COLLISION: BROADLY GOOD NEWS ++++ — Graham Stuart MP (@grahamstuart) March 11, 2025 Authorities said the risk to public health was very low. The operators of the vessels and maritime authorities have yet to offer an explanation of why multiple safety systems on board modern vessels failed to prevent Monday's collision. Data from maritime analytics website MarineTraffic showed the 183m Stena Immaculate was anchored off Immingham, northeast England, when it was struck by the 140m Solong, which was en route to Rotterdam. The Solong was sailing at cruise speed and close to the maximum of around 18-19 knots, shipping sources said, and the vessel had sailed through the same area on past voyages. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson said there was currently no suggestion of "foul play". The Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks, but it was unclear how much of it was spilled after at least one tank was hit, Crowley said on Monday. While Britain's Marine Accident Investigation Branch will gather initial evidence, overall responsibility for investigating the crash lies with the US and Portuguese authorities, the flag states of the vessels.
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Science
- The Independent
North Sea collision - latest: Fuel leak from US tanker crash could hit UK coastline and ‘devastate' wildlife
Wildlife trusts have warned of potential 'devastating' impacts of pollution after an oil tanker carrying jet fuel and a cargo ship loaded with highly toxic chemicals collided in the North Sea. The crash, which occurred just before 9.50am on Monday, involved the US-registered Stena Immaculate, transporting fuel for the US military, and the Portuguese-flagged Solong. The smaller Solong vessel was carrying 15 containers of sodium cyanide, according to a report from maritime data provider Lloyd's List Intelligence. Nature rich sites such as the Humber Estuary, where conservationists have been restoring seagrass and oysters, and Flamborough Cliffs could be hit, environmentalists warned. Martin Slater, Director of Operations at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said the trust was waiting to see if there was any pollution into the North Sea. 'If pollution spillage enters the Humber, this could potentially be devastating for the wildlife of the estuary, including important fish stocks and tens of thousands of overwintering and migrating birds who use the mud flats.' There are also concerns about the Silver Pit Marine Conservation Zone further offshore from Lincolnshire 's coast, which is 'a unique habitat for fish where seabirds and cetaceans feed'. The prime minister's official spokesperson previously said it was an 'extremely concerning situation'. 'Environmental toll could be severe' Dr Tom Webb, senior lecturer in marine ecology and conservation at the University of Sheffield, said: 'The wildlife of the Yorkshire coast and Humber Estuary is of immense biological, cultural and economic importance. In addition to the wealth of marine life that is present all year round, this time of the year is crucial for many migratory species. 'Chemical pollution resulting from incidents of this kind can directly impact birds, and it can also have long-lasting effects on the marine food webs that support them.' Dr Alex Lukyanov, researcher on advanced mathematical models of oil spills from the University of Reading, said: 'Oil spills like the one in the North Sea are affected by multiple factors. The size of the spill, weather conditions, sea currents, water waves, wind patterns, and the type of oil involved all play crucial roles in determining environmental outcomes. 'This particular incident is troubling because it appears to involve persistent oil, which breaks up slowly in water.' Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 11:59 Cargo tank was carrying sodium cyanide - what is it? The Solong was transporting 'an unknown quantity of alcohol and 15 containers of sodium cyanide', according to Lloyd's List. It remains unclear whether the cyanide has entered the water. Sodium cyanide can release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas, which disrupts the body's ability to use oxygen, according to the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also notes that sodium cyanide can convert into hydrogen cyanide upon contact with water. Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 11:44 Questions over North Sea collision arise despite advanced technical equipment The cause of the collision remains unclear. Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the nearby Port of Grimsby East, told CNN: 'It seems a mystery, really, because all the vessels now have very highly sophisticated technical equipment to plot courses and to look at any obstacles or anything they've got to avoid. 'It's difficult to actually suggest what went on, other than the fact it should never have happened,' he added. Mr Boyers said the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) would likely investigate the incident. 'How did that vessel continue plowing into the berth vessel? There must have been some warning signs. They must have been able to detect it on the radar,' Mr Boyers said. Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 11:28 Picture shows extent of damage on Stena Immaculate Jabed Ahmed 11 March 2025 11:21 Watch | Yorkshire Wildlife Trust warns chemical spill could threaten hundreds of thousands of birds along Yorkshire Coast Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 11:14 Oil spill threatens vital wildlife habitats along Lincolnshire coast Tammy Smalley, head of conservation at Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, warned that the North Lincolnshire coast is at risk following the collision, including key nature reserves. Ms Smalley said: 'The north Lincolnshire coast is at risk which includes our special – and vast – nature reserves, Donna Nook and Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes. The area is home to internationally important populations of seabirds and seals, and fragile habitats including saltmarsh, mudflats and seagrass meadows. 'Depending on wind direction and contaminants, we are also concerned about the Silver Pit Marine Conservation Zone farther offshore – a unique habitat for fish where seabirds and cetaceans feed. Much of the Lincolnshire coast offshore is within marine protected areas for habitat features such as sub-tidal sand dunes. 'Although the grey seals at Donna Nook are not currently pupping, the seals including juveniles are still in the area. They haul out on sand banks offshore and feed in the wider North Sea area.' Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 10:59 Environmental group warns of toxic impact as oil spill threatens marine protected areas Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, said: 'This incident is a shocking reminder of the ferocious polluting power of oil. 'We are seeing burning slicks, the threat of heavy fuel oil, and toxic chemicals leaking in or near not one but two marine protected areas (MPAs). Places that should be safe havens for wildlife.' Mr Tagholm said the Southern North Sea and Holderness MPAs protect declining harbour porpoises and rich seafloor habitats, which are both highly sensitive to toxic spills. 'Oil is always an accident waiting to happen in our ocean and we are all familiar with its devastating impacts – seabirds slick with oil, marine life struggling in tarry tidelines, and a toxic legacy that can impact wildlife and coastal communities for years. More oil will always result in more spills,' he added. 'It is also deeply concerning that the cargo vessel is reportedly carrying sodium cyanide, a severely toxic chemical that can devastate marine wildlife if in high enough concentrations. For now, we don't know how much, if any, reached the water but we have sent an Oceana team to the North East to monitor developments.' Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 10:44 The ships involved in the accident Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 10:30 Who is likely to be responsible for the clean-up costs? Harj Narulla, a climate and environmental barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, said: 'Under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, the UK Government is likely to meet many of the immediate clean-up and emergency response costs. The vessel owners and their insurers may also meet costs. 'The Government may in due course seek to recover their cleanup costs from the owners and insurers of both vessels. 'If other parties suffer loss — such as local fishing companies, local government or tourism operators — they could also commence claims against the vessel owners and insurers. ' Jabed Ahmed11 March 2025 10:17 Who might be liable for the accident? Harj Narulla, a climate and environmental lawyer, explained: 'While we still do not know all the facts, it appears as though the Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate, which was at anchor. 'Despite this, the Stena Immaculate and its insurers are strictly liable under UK law for any oil pollution coming from its cargo. 'Similarly, both the Solong and Stena Immaculate and their insurers would be liable for any pollution coming from bunker oil released from the vessels. 'If investigations show that the Solong is responsible for the collision, we may see the Stena Immaculate pursuing legal action against the Solong's owners and their insurers. 'This is likely to be in UK courts, but could also occur in the US or Portugal as the flag States for each vessel.'
Voice of America
11-03-2025
- General
- Voice of America
Stena Immaculate tanker spills fuel; Solong has toxic chemicals
Fires continued to burn on Tuesday after two ships collided off the coast of northeast England a day earlier, adding to concerns the jet fuel carried by one and toxic chemicals aboard the other could cause an environmental disaster. Following the crash, both crews abandoned their ships and 36 people were brought ashore, the coastguard said. Rescue teams on Monday called off a search for a missing crew member from the Portuguese-flagged container ship Solong. The tanker Stena Immaculate, which carries jet fuel for the U.S. military, was at anchor when it was struck by the smaller Solong, releasing fuel into the sea. Equipment to minimize pollution at sea, such as spray dispersants for oil spills and containment booms, were on standby, said the British government, as its agencies prepared for action to protect the North Sea environment and wildlife. The potential environmental impact was being assessed, coordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and an East of England environmental group, and the situation was being monitored overhead by plane, the government said. Environmental harm? Two maritime security sources said there was no indication that malicious activity or actors were involved in the incident. The Stena Immaculate was carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in 16 segregated cargo tanks, but it was unclear how much of it was spilt after at least one tank was hit, Crowley, the U.S. logistics group which operated the vessel, said on Monday. Onboard the Solong were 15 containers of sodium cyanide, a toxic chemical used mainly in gold mining, and an unknown quantity of alcohol, according to a casualty report from maritime data provider Lloyd's List Intelligence. Those cargoes could pollute the sea, harming large colonies of protected seabirds including puffins and gannets which live on the coast in the area, and the fish on which they feed. The crash occurred on Monday morning in a busy waterway, prompting a significant rescue response from British teams who sent aircraft, lifeboats and other vessels. While Britain's Marine Accident Investigation Branch will gather initial evidence, overall responsibility for investigating the crash lies with the U.S. and Portuguese authorities, the flag states of the vessels.
NBC News
11-03-2025
- General
- NBC News
U.K. braces for environmental impact as ships burn in North Sea after collision
LONDON — British officials were bracing for environmental damage and seeking answers Tuesday after a cargo ship carrying a toxic chemical hit a tanker transporting jet fuel for the U.S. military off eastern England, setting both vessels ablaze. Jet fuel from a ruptured tank poured into the North Sea after the Portugal-registered container ship Solong broadsided the U.S-flagged tanker MV Stena Immaculate on Monday. The collision sparked explosions and fires that were still burning 24 hours later. British government minister Matthew Pennycook said it was a 'fast-moving and dynamic situation.' He said air quality readings were normal and the coast guards 'are well-equipped to contain and disperse any oil spills,' with equipment including booms deployed from vessels to stop oil spreading, and aircraft that can spray dispersants on a spill. The collision triggered a major rescue operation by lifeboats, coast guard aircraft and commercial vessels in the foggy North Sea. All but one of the 37 crew members from the two vessels were brought ashore in the port of Grimsby, about 150 miles north of London, with one hospitalized. One crew member was missing, and the coast guards suspended the search late Monday. U.K. Marine accident investigators have begun gathering evidence of what caused the Solong, bound from Grangemouth in Scotland to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, to hit the stationary tanker, which was anchored some 10 miles off the English coast. The investigation will be led by the U.S. and Portugal, the countries where the vessels are flagged. The Stena Immaculate was operating as part of the U.S. government's Tanker Security Program, a group of commercial vessels that can be contracted to carry fuel for the military when needed. Its operator, U.S.-based maritime management firm Crowley, said it was carrying 220,000 barrels of Jet-A1 fuel, some of which was released into the sea. The Solong's cargo included sodium cyanide, which can produce harmful gas when combined with water, according to industry publication Lloyd's List Intelligence. It was unclear if there had been a leak. Greenpeace U.K. said it was too early to assess the extent of any environmental damage from the collision, which took place near busy fishing grounds and major seabird colonies. Alex Lukyanov, who models oil spills at the University of Reading, said the environmental impact would depend on multiple factors, including 'the size of the spill, weather conditions, sea currents, water waves, wind patterns and the type of oil involved.' 'This particular incident is troubling because it appears to involve persistent oil, which breaks up slowly in water,' he said. 'The environmental toll could be severe.'
Associated Press
11-03-2025
- General
- Associated Press
UK braces for environmental impact as ships burn in North Sea after collision
LONDON (AP) — British officials were bracing for environmental damage and seeking answers Tuesday after a cargo ship carrying a toxic chemical hit a tanker transporting jet fuel for the U.S. military off eastern England, setting both vessels ablaze. Jet fuel from a ruptured tank poured into the North Sea after the Portugal-registered container ship Solong broadsided the U.S-flagged tanker MV Stena Immaculate on Monday. The collision sparked explosions and fires that were still burning 24 hours later. British government minister Matthew Pennycook said it was a 'fast-moving and dynamic situation.' He said air quality readings were normal and the coast guards 'are well-equipped to contain and disperse any oil spills,' with equipment including booms deployed from vessels to stop oil spreading, and aircraft that can spray dispersants on a spill. The collision triggered a major rescue operation by lifeboats, coast guard aircraft and commercial vessels in the foggy North Sea. All but one of the 37 crew members from the two vessels were brought ashore in the port of Grimsby, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) north of London, with one hospitalized. One crew member was missing, and the coast guards suspended the search late Monday. U.K. Marine accident investigators have begun gathering evidence of what caused the Solong, bound from Grangemouth in Scotland to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, to hit the stationary tanker, which was anchored some 10 miles (16 kilometers) off the English coast. The investigation will be led by the U.S. and Portugal, the countries where the vessels are flagged. The Stena Immaculate was operating as part of the U.S. government's Tanker Security Program, a group of commercial vessels that can be contracted to carry fuel for the military when needed. Its operator, U.S.-based maritime management firm Crowley, said it was carrying 220,000 barrels of Jet-A1 fuel, some of which was released into the sea. The Solong's cargo included sodium cyanide, which can produce harmful gas when combined with water, according to industry publication Lloyd's List Intelligence. It was unclear if there had been a leak. Greenpeace U.K. said it was too early to assess the extent of any environmental damage from the collision, which took place near busy fishing grounds and major seabird colonies. Alex Lukyanov, who models oil spills at the University of Reading, said the environmental impact would depend on multiple factors, including 'the size of the spill, weather conditions, sea currents, water waves, wind patterns and the type of oil involved.'
