An oil tanker and a cargo ship collided off the northeastern coast of England on Monday, sparking a major fire and injuring at least 32 people.
Authorities launched an extensive emergency response involving aircraft, lifeboats, and fire-fighting vessels.
The collision occurred off the coast of East Yorkshire, with British media showing images of thick black smoke and flames rising from the scene.
The United Kingdom’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed the incident, which was reported at 09:48 GMT.
Martyn Boyers, Chief Executive of the Port of Grimsby East, stated that 32 casualties had been brought ashore.
Thirteen were rescued by the Windcat 33 vessel, while another 19 arrived on a harbour pilot boat. The extent of their injuries remains unclear.
Witnesses reported a “massive fireball” at the crash site. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution confirmed that some crew members abandoned the vessels, which led to fires on both ships.
Three lifeboats and coastguard teams were deployed to assist in the rescue operation.
Swedish shipping company Stena Bulk confirmed ownership of the involved oil tanker, operated by US-based Crowley.
All 20 crew members were accounted for. The cargo ship involved, reportedly named “Solong” or “So Long”, is owned by German company Reederei Koepping.
The crash occurred in a busy shipping route connecting ports in Britain’s northeast to the Netherlands and Germany.
The United Nations’ International Maritime Organisation stated it was monitoring the situation closely.
