Oil tanker on fire after being struck by cargo ship just 10 miles off UK coast sparking huge rescue mission
AN oil tanker carrying jet fuel has erupted into flames after crashing with a cargo vessel 10 miles off the coast of East Yorkshire.
Crew members of Stena Immaculate fled into the North Sea after the collision with the anchored MV Solong off Humber Estuary.
Lifeboats, firefighters and a coastguard rescue helicopter are on the scene, with the incident unfolding at just before 9.50am on Monday.
The nearest village to the scene is Withernsea.
The BBC reports multiple sources claim the tanker is ablaze, while Metro says the tanker crew have abandoned ship.
An HM Coastguard spokesperson said: “HM Coastguard is currently co-ordinating the emergency response to reports of a collision between a tanker and cargo vessel off the coast of East Yorkshire.
“The alarm was raised at 9.48am. A Coastguard rescue helicopter from Humberside was called, alongside lifeboats from Skegness, Bridlington, Maplethorpe and Cleethorpes, an HM Coastguard fixed wing aircraft, and nearby vessels with fire-fighting capability.
“The incident remains ongoing.”
Navy Lookout X account said: “Search & Rescue helicopters attending Oil tanker MV Stena Immaculate on fire after being struck by container ship MV Solong while at anchor off the Humber Estuary this morning.”
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