North Sea Collision Between Tanker and Cargo Ship Sparks Environmental and Safety Concerns

A U.S.-affiliated tanker carrying kerosene and a cargo ship transporting sodium cyanide collided off the Yorkshire coast, resulting in a fire, pollution risks, and one missing crew member.

The collision occurred on March 10, 2025, approximately 16 kilometers off the Yorkshire coast, involving the tanker 'Stena Immaculate' and the cargo ship 'Solong.'
The tanker, temporarily chartered by the U.S. Military Sealift Command, suffered a ruptured kerosene tank, causing fuel leakage and raising concerns about marine pollution.
The cargo ship was carrying containers of sodium cyanide, a hazardous material, and both vessels caught fire, with flames still being battled as of March 11.
Thirty-six crew members were rescued, but one crew member from the cargo ship remains missing after extensive search efforts were concluded without success.
Authorities and environmental organizations, including Greenpeace, are monitoring the situation closely, citing potential threats to marine life and coastal ecosystems, though experts note kerosene's rapid evaporation could mitigate long-term impacts.