MILFORD HAVEN LINKS TO LARGE SCALE MARITIME RESCUE OPERATION

A MAJOR maritime disaster unfolded in the North Sea on Monday morning after a collision between an oil tanker and a cargo vessel resulted in multiple casualties and a large-scale emergency response. The incident, which occurred approximately 10 miles off the coast of East Yorkshire, has led to 32 people being brought ashore to Grimsby, with ongoing concerns for the welfare of any unaccounted crew members.

The vessels involved in the collision have been identified as the MV Stena Immaculate, a 183-metre-long oil tanker, and the Solong, a 140-metre-long cargo ship bound for Rotterdam. Tracking data indicates that the Solong struck the Stena Immaculate while it was anchored, leading to a severe impact that reportedly caused a “massive fireball.”

Massive rescue operation underway

Svitzer tugs have been deployed as part of the rescue operation. The company, well known in the Port of Milford Haven, has operated locally for many years. Some of the tug crew involved in the response off Grimsby will have previously worked alongside their counterparts in Milford Haven, strengthening the connection between the two maritime communities.

The tugs Svitzer Harty, Svitzer Josephine, Svitzer Madeline, Svitzer Laura, Svitzer Stanford, and Svitzer Castle are all in the area, indicating their involvement in the rescue effort.

The alarm was raised at 9:48am, prompting an immediate response from HM Coastguard. A helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft, lifeboats from multiple locations, and vessels with fire-fighting capabilities were deployed to the scene. Casualties were swiftly transported to shore, with emergency services working to assess their conditions.

The Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) is not directly involved in the coordination of a major incident in the North Sea, as it primarily covers emergencies in its designated area along the Welsh coastline and surrounding waters. However, as part of the UK-wide Coastguard National Network, it will be providing support if and when additional resources or coordination assistance were required.

The UK Coastguard operates a centralized system where all MRCCs, including Milford Haven, are interconnected. This allows them to share information and resources during large-scale incidents. Milford Haven could contribute by handling overflow communications or deploying additional resources from its region.

Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East, described the unfolding emergency, saying: “We were put on standby at around 11:00am to receive casualties. The first group of 13 were rescued by a crew transfer vessel, followed by another 10 on a harbour pilot boat. A further nine arrived soon after, bringing the total to 32. Ambulances were waiting at the port to take them to Princess Diana Hospital, and the area remains secured by police.”

Weather and visibility factors

While the sea conditions were described as “reasonable,” with wave heights of around two metres, heavy fog and haze throughout the morning may have contributed to the collision. Despite the advanced navigation and radar technology on board modern vessels, visibility issues are being investigated as a potential factor in the incident.

Boyers added: “It’s very unusual for such a serious accident to happen given the technology these ships have. The fog this morning never lifted, so visibility may have been an issue.”

Crew safety and ongoing investigations

The BBC has confirmed that all crew members on board the Stena Immaculate are accounted for and safe. However, reports indicate that some crew members from the Solong may still be unaccounted for, and search operations continue.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her concern, stating: “I’m concerned to hear of the collision between two vessels in the North Sea this morning and am liaising with officials and HM Coastguard as the situation develops. I want to thank all emergency service workers involved for their continued efforts in responding to the incident.”

Video footage circulating online appears to show thick black smoke rising from the vessels, reinforcing earlier reports that a fire broke out following the impact. Maritime safety investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the collision, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been informed.

Impact beyond the North Sea

While the collision occurred off the East Yorkshire coast, the implications stretch far beyond. Milford Haven, one of the UK’s busiest ports, will be monitoring developments closely. As a major hub for energy shipments, including oil and gas, any disruption in maritime traffic has the potential to impact operations along the Welsh coast.

Marine expert Captain Glyn Garland from Sardis, Pembrokeshire, former supertanker captain and recently retired Marine Superintendent at Dragon LNG said that it was too early to speculate on the causes of the incident but would keep in touch with this newspaper more information becomes available.

Authorities are urging caution for vessels in the region as investigations continue.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as more details emerge.