In the wake of a significant maritime incident, details regarding the collision remain somewhat ambiguous. Fortunately, with the aid of online tracking tools, we can piece together a clearer understanding of the events leading up to the accident, as well as how the rescue efforts are currently unfolding.
According to the reputable ship tracking site MarineTraffic, the cargo vessel Stena Immaculate had recently departed from the Greek port of Agioi Theodoroi and was anchored off the coast of Hull at the time of the collision. In contrast, the Solong was en route from the Scottish port of Grangemouth to Rotterdam, Netherlands. The two vessels reportedly collided around 9:48 GMT, a critical time that has been pivotal in the ongoing investigation.
The situation escalated quickly, prompting a coastguard helicopter to patrol the area, as reported by FlightRadar24. Additionally, multiple offshore vessels have gathered around the site of the incident, indicating a robust response to the emergency.
In the aftermath of the collision, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has reported that several individuals abandoned the ships. Their latest statements suggest that both vessels have experienced fires, with reports indicating that the oil tanker involved is actively ablaze. This alarming development has heightened the urgency of the search and rescue operations in the area.
As the situation continues to evolve, search and rescue teams from across the region have been mobilized. The RNLI has updated that while the teams from Cleethorpes have been stood down, crews from Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Skegness remain engaged in supporting the rescue efforts.
HM Coastguard has released a comprehensive statement regarding the incident. They confirmed that they are coordinating the emergency response to the reports of a collision between the tanker and the cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire. The alarm was raised at 9:48 AM, and in response, a coastguard rescue helicopter from Humberside was dispatched, along with lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Mablethorpe, and Cleethorpes. Additional support came from an HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft and nearby vessels equipped for firefighting. The situation remains ongoing, with officials actively assessing and managing the incident.
