- A cargo ship ripped a hole into an oil tanker carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military on Monday. The wreck set both ships on fire and likely spilled fuel into the North Sea off of the coast of northern England, according to officials.
- Officials confirmed that all but one of the 37 crew members aboard both ships are accounted for and alive. One crew member is still missing, and another is in the hospital as a result of the incident.
- Authorities opened an investigation, while cleanup efforts will likely be needed with jet fuel and other chemicals potentially leaking into the sea.
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A cargo ship ripped a hole into an oil tanker carrying jet fuel for the U.S. military on Monday, March 10. The collision set both ships ablaze and likely spilled fuel into the North Sea off of the coast of eastern England, according to officials.
What happened?
Authorities said the U.S.-flagged tanker Stena Immaculate was anchored when the Portugal-flagged Solong container ship struck it. The crash ruptured a fuel tank, which caused an explosion and fires on both vessels.
One of the 37 crew members is still missing. Officials said 32 of the 36 rescued crew members required medical attention, but only one person needed further treatment at a hospital.
What are the remaining concerns?
Authorities said they’ve opened an investigation into the incident. Cleanup efforts will likely be needed after jet fuel and other chemicals potentially leaked into the sea.
Will it impact the US military’s readiness?
A U.S. official confirmed the Stena Immaculate was carrying cargo supporting the U.S. military. They’ve said it will not impact operations or combat readiness.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities do not suspect any criminal intent.
