Missing sailor presumed dead after 220,000 jet fuel barrels sparked fireball

11 March 2025 , 15:17

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Missing sailor presumed dead after 220,000 jet fuel barrels sparked fireball

Transport minister Mike Kane says Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been deployed to the site and begun its investigation

The fire on the MV Stena Immaculate was caused by its cargo of 220,000 barrels of jet fuel, Maritime minister Mike Kane has said.

An oil tanker carrying jet fuel and a cargo ship loaded with highly toxic chemicals collided in the North Sea on Monday. 

The crash, which occurred just before 9.50am, involved the US-registered Stena Immaculate, transporting fuel for the US military, and the Portuguese-flagged Solong.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Kane said that while all members of the Stena Immaculate crew were safe and accounted for, 13 of the 14 sailors on the Solong were rescued with the working assumption one was deceased.

He confirmed that the fire on the Stena Immaculate had been extinguished, but the Solong remained alight and had drifted off in the night.

Mr Kane said work is ongoing to determine what cargo the MV Solong was carrying, adding: “I’m aware of media reporting regarding potential hazardous materials on board but we’re unable to confirm at this time. 

“However, counter-pollution measures and assets are already in place and both vessels are being closely monitored for structural integrity.”

Environmentalists have warned of the devastating impact the collision could have on the Humber Estuary’s wildlife.

Thomas Brown

Head of Investigations